B.
oris Johnson is likely to delay the final lifting of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions in England after another sharp increase in the Delta variant.
Ministers are considering lifting the June 21 easing of controls for up to four weeks as they battle to introduce the vaccine for younger age groups.
A final decision is expected to be made on Sunday before a formal announcement by the Prime Minister at a press conference the following day.
HEALTH Coronavirus Numbers / PA graphics
It comes amid repeated warnings from some scientists that the rapid spread of the Delta variant, first identified in India, could lead to a “substantial” third wave if controls are lifted.
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Leading doctors at the British Medical Association (BMA) joined calls on Friday to put the final repeal on hold so that millions more receive vaccine protection.
The chairman of the BMA council, Dr. Chaand Nagpaul said, “With only 54.2% of the adult population currently fully vaccinated and many younger people ineligible, there is a great risk that untimely relaxation of all restrictions will undo and become one of the excellent work of the vaccine program Flood of infections.
“It’s not just about the number of hospital admissions, but also about the health hazards of many younger people who can suffer from long-term symptoms that affect their lives and their ability to work.”
However, a delay – possibly until July 19 – will be a major blow to many companies, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors, who had their hopes for a full summer opening to make up for some of last year’s losses.
For Labor Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said the country is now paying the price for ministers’ refusal to heed warnings from its own scientific advisory group on emergencies (Sage).
“Any delay in lifting restrictions would be a severe blow to many families and businesses across the country. The blame for this lies directly with the Conservative ministers, ”he said.
“Despite warnings from Labor, Sage and others, they continued to pursue ruthless border policies that allowed the Delta variant to reach Britain and expand.
“Now it looks like the British will have to pay the price.”
HEALTH Coronavirus Numbers / PA graphics
Scientists now estimate that 96% of all new coronavirus cases are attributed to the delta variant.
The latest figures from Public Health England (PHE) showed that 42,323 Delta variant cases had been confirmed in the UK, 29,892 more than the previous week.
It estimates that the strain is 60% more transmissible when compared to the previously dominant Alpha or Kent variant, and that cases double every four and a half days in some parts of England.
Meanwhile, Merton Council in south London has announced it will intensify targeted surge tests in two areas – including an industrial park in New Malden – that have recently seen outbreaks.
Further testing is also being carried out in Staffordshire and Northwich and Winsford in Cheshire.
The setback comes when leaders behind the successful vaccination program were added to the Queen’s list of honor for her birthday.
They include Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine mastermind professor Sarah Gilbert and former UK Vaccine Taskforce Chair Kate Bingham, both of whom have received Dames.