Virus divides UK government and northern regions

A group of academics from British universities have joined an international pool of medical professionals and scientists in signing a declaration calling for a herd immunity approach to COVID-19.

The signatories of the Great Barrington declaration defend that those who are young and healthy should be able to return to a normal life.

It comes as local leaders in parts of Britain under current lockdown measures have asked the government for greater autonomy in tackling non-compliance and more control over restrictions in their areas.

Leaders in northern parts of the country worst affected by the virus said the current government approach to their areas was not working.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was due to announce further restrictions in a statement to the Scottish Parliament in the afternoon.

Liz Truss, International Trade Secretary said while some were asking for tougher actions, others defended a less stringent approach.

"We are trying to keep the balance", she told Sky News on Wednesday.

This story has not been edited by www.republicworld.com and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.