“We are very concerned that the Delta variant is spreading faster than predicted in the February roadmap,” said Boris Johnson.
On Monday June 14, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his decision to postpone for four weeks, until July 19, the lifting of the latest restrictions in England to fight the coronavirus epidemic, due to a surge in case linked to the Delta variant, which first appeared in India.
“We are very concerned about the Delta variant which is spreading faster than expected in the February roadmap”, which provided for a total reopening on June 21, explained the leader, who therefore prefers “to wait until July 19, to give the (health service) the extra time needed”.
But when questioned by reporters, he admitted it was possible lockdown would continue past 19 July. Despite the four-week delay, however, Mr Johnson said the cap on the number of guests at weddings was being lifted, as long as social distancing was maintained.
The prime minister’s announcement came as analysis showed England’s rate of new infections had climbed to its highest level since 2 March. Some 37,729 new infections were recorded in England in the seven days to 9 June, according to Public Health England (PHE).
PHE also reported that the UK had logged 7,742 new infections in just the last 24 hours – the highest one-day tally since February.
