After downing a final round of drinks, queueing outside soon-to-close shops or getting a last haircut, England's 56 million people entered a second coronavirus lockdown on Thursday with more doubts about the stringent policy than the first time around.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson abandoned a recently introduced system of regional curbs and announced an England-wide shutdown, joining the other nations of the UK – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – in imposing another lockdown, in line with other European nations including France and Germany.

The lockdown will "expire automatically" on December 2, according to the prime minister.

When the country entered its first lockdown in bright March springtime, support was strong. But compliance with coronavirus measures has been fraying the longer they drag on into the winter, as people's livelihoods come under greater strain.

"We will be paying this off for years," said Joe Curran, the landlord of The Queen's Head pub in the Soho area of central London. "This lockdown will cost us thousands on top of the thousands so far."

A total of 492 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded on Wednesday – the highest number since mid-May. Britain is among the world's hardest-hit countries with nearly 48,000 deaths linked to the coronavirus from just over one million positive cases.

Meanwhile, China on Thursday announced travelers from the UK are banned from entering the country, even if they hold visas or residence permits, due to coronavirus concerns. Holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas, along with returning Chinese nationals are exempted. 

On Thursday, members of the UK parliament have voted in favor of a second lockdown for England, after dire warnings that hospitals could soon be overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases. 

Rishi Sunak, the finance minister, will give more details on Thursday about the government's plans to extend support for businesses through the winter in light of the latest measures. 

Also Thursday, the Bank of England is expected at its latest policy meeting to boost its cash stimulus to fight the pandemic's economic fallout, with another 100 billion pounds ($130 billion) coming on tap.

Many businesses are concerned they will have to close their doors for good if they don't receive sufficient support or swiftly move their trade online. 

Andrea Checca, from Chelsea fishmonger The Sea, expressed the concerns felt by many firms in London. "We'll hope to maximize revenue from our online sales," he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Johnson faced tough questions from his critics in parliament over the measures.

Leader of the opposition Labor Party, Keir Starmer, accused Johnson of ignoring the advice of his scientific advisers for a short "circuit-breaker" lockdown earlier in the fall. 

"We have to face reality," replied Johnson. "In common with many other countries in this part of the world, we are now facing a surge in the virus, which this house must now tackle with the measures we've outlined."

Johnson defended the government's strategy of sticking to targeted, regional restrictions until now and said that approach had and could continue to work after December 2 when the national lockdown is due to be gradually eased.

Despite criticism from within his own Conservative Party in parliament, Johnson staved off a more significant rebellion from within the ranks, as MPs voted in favor of the new measures 516 to 38.

But concerns remain about the perceived lack of an exit strategy from these restrictions, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across most of the country.