British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to delay lifting the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England as data shows a further rise in cases of the rapidly spreading Delta variant, British media reported.
Johnson is due to announce on Monday whether the planned lifting of restrictions, which would see an end to limits on social contact, can go ahead on June 21.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
But the rapid spread of the Delta variant, first discovered in India, has thrown those plans into jeopardy, meaning there will be a one-month delay to the lifting of the restrictions, the Daily Telegraph reported.
A four-week delay would push back the easing of restrictions to July 19.
The government has always said decisions at each stage of unlocking depend on the data, and earlier this week the prime minister warned about the recent rise in cases.
Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make most public health decisions in their jurisdictions.
The prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Britain on Friday reported 8,125 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily total since February, adding that the reproduction “R” number and daily growth rates were also higher in the latest estimates, suggesting the pandemic was growing exponentially.
Johnson has said that an increase in cases was always expected after the most recent stage of lockdown easing in May, but the key to whether all coronavirus restrictions can be scrapped will be the extent to which Britain’s vaccine rollout has broken the link between cases and deaths.
Britain’s total COVID-19 death toll is over 127,000 but the number of daily deaths have fallen following a third national lockdown and a rapid vaccine rollout. More than three-quarters of adults have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Read more:
US Trade Representative Tai to hold talks in Britain next week
-
Turkey’s economy expected to grow but prone to shocks amid reserve losses: IMF
The International Monetary Fund forecast strong growth for Turkey this year, while saying risks have increased after reserves declined from previously ... Economy -
Boris Johnson urges G7 accord on COVID-19 ‘passports’
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants the upcoming Group of Seven summit to reach agreement on COVID-19 vaccine passports and to open talks on a ... Coronavirus -
UK PM Boris Johnson marries fiancée Carrie Symonds in secret ceremony
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson married his fiancee Carrie Symonds in a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, the Sun and Mail on ... World News