BBC News
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The plan to ease Covid rules over Christmas in the UK is a rash decision that will cost many lives , two leading medical journals have said.
The Health Service Journal and British Medical Journal said people might see the lifting of restrictions as permission to drop their guard .
Cabinet minister Michael Gove has held talks on the issue with leaders in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
NI said scientific advisers would be consulted ahead of any decision.
It comes after Labour called on ministers to hold an emergency review of the plans.
Earlier, No 10 said the rules were under constant review but it still intended to allow families to meet up.
London in Tier 3
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London switches to toughest virus clamps at midnight
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Millions more face tier 3 as new strain identified © Reuters
Millions more people in England are set to move into the toughest Covid restrictions after ministers warned that a new Covid strain of the virus may be linked to a rise in infections.
London, most of Essex and parts of Hertfordshire will join tier three at 00:01 GMT on Wednesday.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said action was needed immediately to slow an exponential spike in cases.
No 10 rejected suggestions it might now review Christmas guidelines.
Under tier three rules pubs and restaurants must close, except for takeaway and delivery, and indoor entertainment venues - such as theatres, bowling alleys and cinemas - must remain shut.
Covid-19: London joins tier 3, a virus variant and an artist s NHS tribute
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1. London to join tier 3
London, as well as parts of Essex and Hertfordshire, will move into tier three - England s highest tier of coronavirus restrictions - from 00:01 GMT on Wednesday. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said action had to be taken immediately to slow surging rates of infection. Tier three restrictions mean pubs and restaurants must close except for takeaway and delivery services. The changes will affect Greater London, the south and west of Essex (Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Epping Forest, Castle Point, Rochford, Maldon, Braintree and Chelmsford, along with Thurrock and Southend-On-Sea borough councils), and the south of Hertfordshire (Broxbourne, Hertsmere, Watford and the Three Rivers local authority). You can read more about England s different tiers and what they mean here.