The reason was the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus (Indian strain), which the UK authorities call more contagious. Now it is detected in more than 90% of infected people
The removal of restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 in England is postponed for four weeks-from June 21 to July 19. This was announced at a press conference by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reports Reuters.
“I think it’s wise to wait a little longer,” he said. The main reason for the delay was the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus (the so-called Indian strain). According to the authorities, it is 40-80% more contagious than the alpha variant (the British strain).
Previously, this possibility was not ruled out in the British government. According to the Financial Times, the country’s chief health officer, Chris Whitty, was able to convince Johnson to postpone “freedom day” from restrictions for a month.
According to the Prime Minister, in two weeks the government will study the statistics and make a final decision on the removal or extension of restrictive measures, Sky News reports. According to Johnson, the authorities expect that by July 19, two-thirds of the adult population will receive both doses of the coronavirus vaccine.
The UK authorities imposed a lockdown in January due to the spread of a new strain of coronavirus. The government then developed a four-step plan to break the restrictions as the number of vaccinated people increased. The first two stages were held in March and April. Catering establishments and service organizations were opened, residents were allowed to walk in the parks in small companies. In May, the third stage came: hotels, theaters, and museums were opened. The authorities also allowed to hold sports events with spectators and return universities to full-time education. The removal of the remaining measures was scheduled for June 21.
On June 14, 7.7 thousand new cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed in the UK. As noted by Sky News, the daily increase is held at this level for the sixth day in a row. According to the head of the Ministry of Health, Matt Hancock, 91% of new cases are infected with the delta variant of the coronavirus. He said that the government plans to modify the vaccines as soon as possible.
According to the medical director of the Health Service of England, now most often infected young Britons who have not yet had time to get vaccinated.