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 the introduction of stricter local measures in the north of England.

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

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

Hancock confirmed that the number of virus cases increasing had led to "the 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, adding that "It isn't something that we ever take off the table".

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