Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies
Scientists advising Boris Johnson told government the number of Covid patients could exceed the January peak.
And surge testing is to begin in Lambeth after South African variant is found.
Quarantine hotels were recommended by some scientists as far back as May. The government still hasn't acted.
Scientists say lifting restrictions before enough people have had the jab will impact those in vulnerable groups with low take-up.
Initial decision to press ahead with a five-day lifting of rules has now made things "more difficult" for many, says public health expert.
Boris Johnson's intervention comes more than a month after scientists recommended a "circuit-breaker".
The second wave of Covid-19 will be more deadly than in the spring, a new internal projection shows.