By Concerns around Indian variant and easing restrictions on June 21
Public health expert Prof Linda Bauld says the 21 June date for easing restrictions in England is “very ambitious” as in some parts of the country there has been a “big increase” in the number of cases.
Prof Bauld, from the University of Edinburgh, tells Sky News’ Trevor Phillips the date is “very soon” and to avoid more preventable deaths “we really need to be cautious at the current time”.
“I really think that’s it’s too early to be charging ahead,” she says.
“I would like to see several more weeks’ data.”
The final stage in lifting England’s lockdown is due on 21 June, when all legal limits on social distancing are expected to be removed.
The government says it will make a decision on the date on 14 June.
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin says the government needs to provide advance notice to businesses if restrictions are to remain after 21 June in England.
Gov UK
McClarkin, whose organisation represents brewers and pub companies across the UK, says she understands the government is in a “difficult situation”, but says it should “stick to its roadmap”.
“We need the government to stick to its roadmap of removing those restrictions by 21 June if we want to see the great British pub really begin its recovery,” she tells BBC Breakfast.
“What I need to say is 21 June is absolutely critical to the recovery of the sector.”
NHS England said some 53% of those aged 30 to 39 have received at least one dose of a vaccine since May 13.
The data comes as a scientific adviser warned confusion over the Government’s handling of Covid restrictions was undermining efforts to control the virus.
The NHS, meanwhile, is asking people aged 50 and older, as well as those who are clinically vulnerable, to bring forward their second Covid-19 vaccination to help combat the spread of the B1.617.2 variant first identified in India.
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