Prime Minister Boris Johnson says that the virus mutates, causes more hospitalizations and that time is needed to completely immunize more people.
Boris Johnson announced on Monday (14) that the final lifting of restrictions against Covid-19 will no longer take place on June 21, as scheduled, but probably on July 19.
“The time is to take your foot off the accelerator.”
The reason is concern about the growth of the Delta variant, first identified in India, and lack of complete evidence of its impact.
Boris said that the number of new Covid-19 cases in the country grew 64% in the last week and even doubled in the most affected regions, and hospitalizations accelerated, growing about 50% in the last week. Increased contagion was expected with the reopening of bars and restaurants, among other relaxations. But, according to the prime minister, before removing all restrictions, it is necessary to accelerate vaccination and assess the trend of data in the coming weeks
“Obviously we face a very tough choice, we can give the NHS a few more crucial weeks to get the few remaining jabs into the arms of those who need them.”
“I think it’s wise to wait a little longer.”
“I’m confident we won’t need more than four weeks – of course the vaccines are working – but now is the time to slow down.
We have the chance to save thousands of lives by vaccinating millions of people.”
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Boris said he would revise the data again on June 28 – and suggested that this could be eased by early July 5 if Covid’s outlook improves, but that was unlikely.
It was also announced that:
Weddings and funerals can receive as many guests as the location fits, maintaining social distance.
Government work based on domestic guidance will remain in effect
Furlough will not be extended and will still end in September as planned
Vaccine passports will be tested in some Euro 2020 games.
People over 40 will now receive their second jab after eight weeks and not 12.
Residents of nursing homes returning from the hospital will no longer need to be isolated for 14 days.
Another review of the data will take place on June 28 to see if the blockade can end sooner.
