Tempers flare over new Covid rules as Johnson warns: 'We must act now'

Boris Johnson faces doubt and frustration over new three-tier system that splits England into risk zones

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Boris Johnson warned northern leaders that a failure to agree tougher coronavirus restrictions within days would be unforgivable" as he faced doubt and frustration over a new system designed to prevent the inexorable" spread of Covid-19.

The prime minister unveiled a three-tier system splitting England into medium risk (tier 1), high risk (tier 2) and very high risk (tier 3) areas. Under the new rules, nearly a third of the country - more than 17 million people - face localised curbs.