LONDON: The British government has carved England into three tiers of coronavirus risk in a bid to slow a resurgent outbreak

The plan has put the northern city of Liverpool into the highest-risk category and shutting its pubs, gyms and betting shops, AP reported.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the three-level national system was designed to “simplify and standardize” a confusing patchwork of local rules, as the country enters a “crucial phase.”

Johnson said hospitals are now filling up with more COVID-19 patients than in March, when he ordered a national lockdown.

Some scientists questioned whether the restrictions went far enough.

Minutes published Monday from meetings of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies showed the body recommended three weeks ago that the government consider stricter measures including a short “circuit-breaker” lockdown.

(With inputs from agencies)