LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday make it clear that nothing in the COVID-19 data to change his plans for a piecemeal easing of lockdown in England, with the next major steps due to take place next month.
On Monday, there will be a smaller change, allowing groups of 6 to meet up outside. Foreign travel will be banned till at least May 17, which is also the earliest date indoor hospitality and performance venues might re-open.
Although Johnson has outlined dates at which he plans to ease restrictions, he has been clear that it’s “data, not dates” which will determine whether the unlocking can proceed to schedule.
“As things stand, I can see absolutely nothing in the data to dissuade me from continuing along with our roadmap to freedom, unlocking our economy and getting back to the life we love,” Johnson stated in a speech to the Conservative spring conference.
His comments came after data showed a recent steep fall in infections were starting to level off.
Britain’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Friday stated the prevalence of COVID-19 infections in England is no longer falling and has leveled off at an estimated 1 in 340 individuals.
England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty stated earlier this week that a slowdown in steep drops in infection rates was to be expected after schools reopened on March 8.
