The lockdown will commence Nov. 5 and end Dec. 2, when the country will return to the tiered system based on the latest data.
Residents will be allowed to leave their homes only for essential reasons, such as education, work, shopping and exercise. All non-essential businesses will be closed.
Pubs, bars and restaurants will close for general service, but can still provide takeaway services.
Schools, colleges and universities will remain open. "This virus cannot damage our children's futures more than it already has," Johson said.
ITALY PROTESTS OVER LATEST CORONAVIRUS CRACKDOWNS TURN VIOLENT
Johnson spoke alongside chief medical officer professor Chris Witty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, both of whom explained the data that informed the prime minister's decision.
Prevalence of the disease rapidly increased over the last few weeks after leveling off over spring and summer.