By It’s definitely a July 19 unlocking … unless it’s not
The prime minister says he is determined the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England will be lifted on 19 July, despite concern that a rise in deaths could force a change of plan.
Boris Johnson said the measures must remain in place until then because of the rapid spread of the Delta variant.
The PM called his new July 19 reopening date “a terminus” on Monday – but did not rule out further delays as he pushed back the full end of lockdown by four weeks.
Prof Graham Medley, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that numbers of deaths are low at present, but “everyone expects that they will rise”.
‘The question is really as to what level they will rise,’ he said.
‘It is possible we could end up with a situation whereby the numbers of people going to hospital, really mean that the government have to take some kind of action that they don’t want to.’
PA
“Data, not dates” says Boris Johnson.
New analysis by PHE shows for the first time that 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: ‘Our UK vaccination programme continues at pace and has already saved thousands of lives. It is our way out of this pandemic.
‘This evidence of the effectiveness of 2 doses against variants shows just how crucial it is to get your second jab.
‘If you have had your first dose but haven’t booked your second yet – please do so. It will help save lives and boost us on the road to recovery.’
Across the UK more than 41 million people have had a first vaccine dose which amounts to 78 per cent of the adult population. Almost 30 million have had a second dose.
The number of coronavirus cases is up on the 7,490 recorded yesterday – the sixth day in row that new infection numbers have exceeded 7,000.
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