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Covid news - live: Scientists warn UK second wave could last until spring as France and Germany announce new national lockdowns

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Scientists have warned the UK’s second wave could last into Spring amid rising concern over the potential fatalities caused by an elongated spike in cases.

Meanwhile French president Emmanuel Macron has announced a second lockdown from Friday, to try to combat a resurgence of the coronavirus

Medical experts had warned that hospitals would be overwhelmed by the middle of next month if no action was taken. Mr Macron said a new nationwide lockdown would be the only possible way to successfully fight Covid-19.

In the UK, regional police forces will enforce coronavirus laws “as they see fit” over Christmas but it is too early to predict what restrictions will be in place over the festive period, senior officers have said.

It came as political leaders across the UK’s four nations were warned by the Liberal Democrats to “accept the inevitability” that people will travel over Christmas.