Delta variant scare, England postpones reopening
England backtracks and will keep the established restrictions in place for another four weeks. It thus skips the June 21 reopening [...]
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England backs off and will keep For another four weeks, the restrictions established. Thus skips the June 21 reopening that would have lifted restrictions for sporting events, cinemas and pubs. Also no dice for nightclubs, which will continue to remain closed.
England postpones reopening, increase in Delta variant cases
Government sources confirmed that ministers have decided to extend the restrictions. The premier Boris Johnson is expected to confirm the choice at a press conference in the coming hours. The extension will be put on the ballot and could trigger considerable negative reaction from conservatives. Thus slowing down the schedule established by the government. As of June 21, the date had been set in England to operate without capacity limits, including for wedding guests. Experts have called for delaying the reopening to allow more people to be vaccinated and receive second doses. Concern arises over rising cases of Delta variant.
A delay would also allow for analysis of whether the vaccination campaign in England is succeeding in reducing positive cases and hospitalizations. Health Minister Edward Argar told BBC Breakfast that he could not confirm the delay before the prime minister's announcement. He stressed, however, that there has been a "worrying increase" in Delta variant cases and that hospital numbers are "starting to rise." At current vaccination rates, in four weeks the British government expects to be able to administer nearly 10 million second doses to increase the total protection of the entire population. Additional economic supports for those most affected will also be activated for these remaining four weeks.
The situation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The increase in positive cases in the UK is driven by the Delta variant, first identified in India. At this time represents 90% of cases in the territory. It is believed to be about 60% more infectious than the Alpha variant-which was first identified in Kent and was previously dominant in the UK-and twice as likely to cause hospitalization. Professor Andrew Hayward of the University College of London, a member of the Sage Group that advises the government, said a relaxation of further restrictions would "fan the flames" of increased infections.
All areas of the Scotland should switch instead to the restrictions of Level Zero Covid from June 28. It will then be possible to gather in bars, pubs and restaurants with more than one person although all provisions regarding social distancing must still be observed. The limits to indoor gatherings in Northern Ireland should be loosened instead June 21 and the current rules in Wales will be reviewed on June 25. If the restrictions are extended, the UK Weddings Taskforce has estimated that 50,000 weddings planned in the four weeks from June 21 could be canceled, with the industry potentially losing £325 million for each week of delay. Currently, the number of guests allowed at weddings is limited to 30.
The Night Time Industries Association said pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs have already spent millions of pounds preparing for reopening and will take legal action if there are delays. UKHospitality, which represents pubs, bars, and restaurants, said instead that businesses stand to lose £3 billion if the easing of restrictions is delayed by a month.
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