According to health researchers and physicians, Covid-19 restrictions are unlikely to be reintroduced in Britain this summer.
According to the latest data from the U.K.'s Office for National Statistics, more than 1.7 million Brits tested positive for Covid over the course of a week.
The country celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee two weeks ago. It coincides with a summer of large-scale musical and sporting events which could push cases higher still.
Health researchers and physicians don't see a return to public health measures unless there is a major change in the virus' behavior
Simon Clark, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, told CNBC Monday that he doesn't think there will be any mandatory restrictions unless the situation looks unmanageable for the health service.
Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are two newer strains that have become the dominant strain in Britain.
Scientists say there is currently no evidence to suggest either strain causes more serious illness than previous ones, and they are not likely to behave differently.
If intensive care units were to come under a lot of pressure, a shift in approach would be necessary. Over the past week, hospitalizations increased by 8.2%, but the rate of admission to the high dependency unit and the intensive care unit has not changed.
If you see it, you will see that ICU is the biggest roadblock on this.
Since all restrictions were removed in England in February, the U.K. government has been committed to its strategy of living with Covid.
The former deputy chief medical officer of England said last week that the onus was now on individuals to frame the risks for themselves.
He said that the picture is much closer to seasonal flu than it was when Covid first appeared.
Scotland's national clinical director told the BBC that it would take a "dramatic" change to bring back mandatory restrictions.
People are returning to their businesses. Professor Leitch said that two U.K. music festivals were on next week. It's important to get back.
Keeping up-to-date with vaccinations, wearing face coverings where appropriate, and staying off work when sick are some of the things people would need to accept a few small prices for.
The government will provide additional booster vaccinations to older people this autumn.
When the country faces a more severe spike in infections, it would be wise to extend the program to over 50s.
The immunity from boosters will start to diminish by the end of the year, and that could be an important time to watch for restrictions.
Last week, Britain's Health Secretary Sajid Javid suggested that the government might expand the program.
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