On July 3, 2021, in London, United Kingdom, England fans celebrate their 4-0 victory over Ukraine in the UEFA EURO 2020 quarter-final football match. Getty Images | Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency LONDON, United Kingdom — On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom will outline the final steps towards the relaxation of England’s lockdown restrictions. The government announced new instructions on the 1-meter social separation regulation, facial coverings, care home visits, and working from home on Sunday. When limits are removed, some rules, such as mask-wearing, will become a matter of personal choice, a government minister told the BBC this weekend. According to a statement provided by Downing Street late Sunday, Johnson is anticipated to stress that Covid will become “a virus that we learn to live with as we currently do with flu.” Johnson will also mention that “Freedom Day,” or “Step 4” in the government’s long-term plan to reduce restrictions, will be held on July 19 if the government’s “four tests” for removing Covid restrictions are met. The checks involve looking at data to make sure the vaccination rollout is going well and that infection rates aren’t causing an increase in hospitalizations. Following a review of the most recent statistics, they will be evaluated on July 12th, according to the administration. The easing of restrictions in England was originally scheduled for June 21, but it was postponed due to the spread of the highly transmissible delta strain across the country. While infection rates have increased, hospitalizations and deaths have remained stable, demonstrating that coronavirus vaccinations are effective in preventing serious illnesses. The British government has expressed a desire to keep limitations in place just as long as they are absolutely required. This is despite medical professionals and opposition lawmakers’ concerns that the limitations may be relaxed too soon as the variation spreads across the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond. Johnson admitted in comments released on Sunday that “the pandemic is not ended” and that “cases will continue to grow in the coming weeks.” “”Thanks to the successful rollout of our immunization program, we are advancing cautiously through our roadmap,” he said, adding that “we must all continue to carefully manage the dangers from Covid and apply judgment when going about our lives” (to lifting lockdown). Today, we’ll lay forth a plan for restoring people’s liberty.” According to government data, the Covid immunization program in the United Kingdom is one of the quickest in the world, with 86 percent of the adult population receiving a first dose of vaccine and 63.8 percent receiving two doses. In a press conference scheduled to begin about 5 p.m. London time Monday afternoon, the prime minister will disclose the details of the easing of lockdown orders in England. Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, will announce the plans to Parliament at the same time./n
Read More
