Hancock: UK national lockdown last line of defence

U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday said that a second national lockdown would be a "last line of defence", following introduction of stricter local measures in rth of England.

Hancock's comments come after cases of new coronavirus continue to rise in parts of country, prompting a local lockdown in rrn areas.

Speaking on U.K. brocaster Sky, Health Secretary said citizens should "come toger" to follow recent measures brought in by government, such as social distancing measures, wearing masks, and "rule of six" preventing more than six people from garing.

Hancock confirmed that number of virus cases increasing h led to " number of people ending up in hospital increasing".

He said that while a second national lockdown "isn't something that we want to see", national action could still be possible, ding that "It isn't something that we ever take off table".

Health Secretary said government was "balancing need to protect lives and livelihoods" and was optimistic that rise in cases could be contained "by country pulling toger."