England is under a new national lockdown with schools closed and people only able to leave their homes for limited reasons.

The measures are expected to stay in place until mid-February.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Prime minister announces new national lockdown

Addressing the nation yesterday evening (January 4), the Prime Minister said the number of Covid patients in hospitals in England has increased by nearly a third in the last week to almost 27,000 – some 40 per cent higher than the first peak in April.

We asked readers how they felt about lockdown 3.0 and to share their concerns.

A number of commenters on the BFP's Facebook page said they were worried about UK borders still being open and children missing out on school, while others were concerned about people being alone and businesses not being able to survive.

Juliet Collier said: “I just feel very sorry for all the children missing out on their education and friends at school, but it did need to be done mainly because of all the fools out there that think they are above the rules,” while Melanie Jemmett wrote: “Not concerned. I’m pleased, it needs to be done.

“Now people just need to do as they are supposed to in order to drive the infection rate down again and give the NHS time to vaccinate those that need it most.”

Sarah Fisher wrote: “Well tbh [to be honest] I think it’s a pile of dog poo because if my cleaner can still come to my house and clean it’s not really a lockdown is it?

“Essential shops should just be likes of Tesco, Morrison’s etc. pharmacy boards still open, tbh no-one will follow because they simply don’t want to, hence why we’re where we are today.”

A number of people were concerned about nurseries staying open but not schools, with Jagoda Parry writing: “What I don't understand is why is it safe for nursery to be open but not schools? I have a little one attending nursery and am really torn on what to do.”

Vicky Richardson said: “I feel totally let down to be honest as it’s not safe for children or staff to go to school, but nurseries obviously have a COVID barrier at the entrance and open for all.”

Declan Breen asked if UK borders were closing, while Nicola Woodley said: “Perhaps if they closed the borders and enforced quarantine for anyone that did come in, I might see a point in ‘lockdowns’.”

Tessa Martin said she was worried about people’s mental health, especially those living on their own, with Ken Rutland also echoing her sentiments.

He wrote: “[I’m worried about] mental health for the elderly who live on their own, I’m 68 and have no access to my children and grandchildren, nor to my partner of 26 years. I can tell you it’s hard.”

Caroline Watson said she was concerned about businesses surviving, adding: “The household appliances aisle at Asda was bursting yesterday.

“I do not see why they stay open and others have to close who have put so much effort into their stores too. Where are the grants this time?”

Angela Cripps-Nash said the restrictions need to be “policed better with heavy fines for everyone breaking the rules”.

Currently, you can be given a £200 fixed penalty notice for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

Boris Johnson said yesterday the weeks ahead would be the “hardest yet” but added that he believed the country was entering “the last phase of the struggle”.