The UK government is contemplating a delay in lifting the final set of COVID-19 restrictions in England, initially scheduled for June 21. Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC that officials are prepared to adjust the roadmap if the situation demands.
Since March, England has progressively eased lockdown measures in a strategic effort to balance public health with economic and social recovery. With over 40 million Britons having received at least one vaccine dose, the nation has seen a significant decrease in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths.
However, recent data reveals a worrying uptick in infections. In the past week alone, there have been more than 31,000 new cases, marking a 46% increase from the previous week. This surge is primarily attributed to the highly transmissible Delta variant, first identified in India.
Health officials express concerns that proceeding with the planned easing could accelerate the virus's spread, potentially overwhelming healthcare systems and reversing the progress made so far. As the UK navigates these challenges, the global community watches closely, understanding that the ripple effects of such decisions impact economies and societies worldwide.
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England's Covid-19 restrictions could be extended: UK health minister
cgtn.com
