UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a four-step roadmap on Monday to “remove all legal limits on social contacts” in England by 21 June, assuming certain tests are met.
Why it matters: The UK has the worst number of coronavirus deaths in Europe and saw its economy contract 9.9% in 2020 – the biggest drop in production in more than 300 years.
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Johnson’s government imposed a national blockade for the third time in January, as cases increased due to the emergence of a new, more infectious variant of the coronavirus.
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But vaccine implantation in the country is among the best in the world – with 26.1% of the population vaccinated by Monday – resulting in a substantial drop in infections and optimism that the outbreak will be contained in the coming months.
Details: Before taking each step, the government will analyze the infection data and ensure that the following four steps are followed:
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The vaccine unfolding, development the program continues successfully.
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Evidence shows Vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths of vaccinated people.
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Infection rates do not risk an increase in hospitalizations that would put unsustainable pressure on the National Health Service.
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The government’s assessment risk is not fundamentally altered by new virus variants.
If these tests are met, the phased lifting of blocking restrictions will not begin before the following dates:
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March 8th: Schools and universities will be open to all students.
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March 29th: Outdoor sports and mixing in groups of six will be allowed.
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April 12th: Gymnasiums, libraries, lounges, outdoor hospitality, all children’s and retail activities are allowed.
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may 17: Indoor entertainment and attractions, organized indoor sports, limits of 30 people outdoors, some large events with capacity limits and international travel (subject to review) will be allowed.
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June 21th: No legal limits on social contact – nightclubs will reopen and larger events will be allowed.
What they are saying: “There will be a lot of people worried that we are being too ambitious and it is arrogant to impose any kind of plan on a virus. But I also believe that the vaccination program has dramatically changed the odds in our favor and it is on that basis that we can now proceed,” said Johnson to members of parliament on Monday.
Read the full plan.
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