British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday unveiled a four-step roadmap to “remove all legal limits on social contacts” in England by June 21 at the latest, assuming certain tests are met.
Why does it matter: The UK has the worst number of coronavirus deaths in Europe and has seen its economy shrink by 9.9% in 2020 – the largest drop in production in 300 years.
- Johnson’s government imposed a nationwide blockade for the third time in January as cases escalated due to the emergence of a new, more infectious variant of coronavirus.
- But the launch of the vaccine in the country was among the best in the world – with 26.1% of the population vaccinated since Monday – resulting in a substantial decrease in infections and optimism that the outbreak will be stopped in the coming months.
Details: Before taking any steps, the government will review the infection data and ensure that the following four steps are completed:
- vaccine implementation the program continues successfully.
- The evidence shows vaccines are effective enough in reducing hospitalizations and deaths in those vaccinated.
- Infection rates do not risk an increase in hospitalizations that would put unsustainable pressure on the National Health Service.
- Government evaluation of risks is not fundamentally altered by new virus variants.
If these tests are performed, the gradual lifting of blocking restrictions will start no earlier than the following data:
- 8 March: Schools and universities will be open to all students.
- March 29: Outdoor sports and mixing in groups of six will be allowed.
- April 12: Gyms, libraries, lounges, outdoor hospitality, all retail and indoor activities will be allowed.
- May 17: Indoor entertainment and attractions, indoor sports, limits for 30 people outdoors, some large capacity events and international travel (subject to review) will be allowed.
- June 21: There are no legal limits to social contact – nightclubs will reopen and larger events will be allowed.
What are they saying: “There will be many people worried that we are too ambitious and it is arrogant to impose any plan on a virus. But I also believe that the vaccination program has dramatically changed the chances in our favor and on this basis we can now continue,” Johnson told lawmakers Monday.
Read the full plan.