British Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined plans this Monday (July 5, 2021) to end the social and economic restrictions of COVID-19 in England within two weeks. A study will be conducted to see if acceleration of vaccination provides adequate protection against the highly contagious delta variant.
Johnson said the government plans to end the restrictive measures on July 19. The final decision should be made next week. According to the information received from ReutersHe said the measure would eliminate official limits on social contact and instructions for working from home and the use of protective masks.
After imposing strict restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Johnson said the vaccination programme, which has reduced hospital admissions, may prevent the health service from being overwhelmed by a new wave of Covid-19.
According to the plans, clubs will be able to reopen and there will be no maximum capacity. Social distancing guidelines will be eliminated. “If we can’t reopen our community in the coming weeks, as we will be helped by the summer and school holidays, then should we ask ourselves when can we get back to normal?Johnson said during the press conference.
“Let’s move away from legal restrictions and allow people to make their own informed decisions about how to manage the virus.” announced. Johnson’s government sets health policy for England, but not for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The UK ranked seventh in the world in deaths from Covid-19, and Johnson has been accused of taking too long to implement each of the three lockdowns in England. But vaccine acceptance in the country has been strong, with 86% of adults receiving the first dose and 64% receiving two doses by Monday (July 5, 2021), according to government data.
Figures from Public Health England indicate that vaccines are very effective in preventing delta variant and reducing serious illness or hospitalization, especially after the second dose. Johnson also said that people under the age of 40 will be invited to get the second dose of the vaccine 8 weeks after the first dose, instead of 12 weeks, in line with the 40+ policy.
He also said that while he believed this was the best time to end restrictions, people should remain vigilant and containment measures could be reinstated if necessary. “Obviously, if we find another variant that does not respond to vaccines … then obviously we will have to take any steps we need to protect the population.”.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer (Labour) criticized the plan and said some legal measures should be maintained, such as the mandatory use of masks on public transport. “Simply throwing away all protection when the infection rate increases is reckless.He told the announcers.
The crowd in the stadiums
The end of restrictive measures also includes sporting events. Fans will be able to watch live sporting events again, without restrictions, starting July 19.
The government has also chosen not to pursue a plan to request certificates of coronavirus vaccination, such as those currently in use on a trial basis to ensure entry into matches for Euro 2020.
Several sports competition organizers, including the English Premier League, have supported the testimonials. According to the information received from guardianThe Premier League said it intends to consult with public authorities to try to make a safe return.
“The lack of fans has been largely absent, so we welcome the government’s announcement today and hope the stadiums will be full in the 2021/22 season.The association said in a statement. “We will continue to work with football stakeholders and relevant public authorities to ensure that the return is carried out in full capacity in a manner that keeps everyone safe.“.
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