Source::AP
LONDON
Britain is taking another small step out of lockdown as it looks nervously at a new virus surge inundating its European neighbors. With U.K. coronavirus vaccination rates outstripping those of European Union nations, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is easing the stark “stay at home” message that has curtailed everyday life — and kept the virus in check — for almost three months.
From Monday, it will be replaced in England with a message to stay local. People will be allowed to meet in groups of six outdoors and can resume outdoor sports such as basketball, tennis, and golf. The other parts of the U.K. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — are taking broadly similar steps. In Wales, thousands of people poured onto beaches and mountain spots on Saturday, after the authorities lifted travel restrictions that have been in place since December. Most nonessential businesses remain closed, along with pubs, restaurants, gyms, cinemas, theaters, museums, and sports stadiums. Millions of workers have been furloughed, with the government paying the bulk of their wages.
The U.K. has recorded more than 126,000 COVID-19 deaths, the highest toll in Europe. Stephen Powis, medical director of the National Health Service in England, urged people to continue to follow the rules and limit contact with others, saying the easing “does not mean job done.” While many European nations are seeing a new surge in the pandemic, Britain is counting on a rapid mass-vaccination program to help it end its lockdown.
ALSO READ
