Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, will outline plans Monday to ease England's Covid-19 lockdown. This includes guidance on social distancing and face coverings, as well as working from home.Johnson has imposed the most severe restrictions in British history in order to combat the novel coronavirus. Johnson will lift all restrictions in England starting July 19. A final decision is due July 12.The government stated that data suggests that the number of cases will rise as more restrictions are lifted. However, the government believes that the rapid vaccination program has reduced the link between hospital admissions and death.Come Join Us at Skift Destination and Sustainability Summit, July 21Johnson will likely say that people will be able to live with Covid just like they did with flu. This means that deaths, serious illness, and hospitalizations will not decrease, but will remain at a lower level than before widespread vaccination.Johnson stated in a statement that as we learn to live with the virus, we all need to continue to manage the risks and use our judgement when we go about our daily lives.However, I want to stress that the pandemic has not ended.Britain is the country with the highest death rate from Covid-19. Johnson has been criticized for his timing decisions regarding each of England's three lockdowns.According to government data, 86 percent of British adults received a first dose, while 64 percent received two doses.Australia is one of the countries that are tightening their restrictions, despite having lower vaccination rates.Covid-19 cases have also increased in Britain in the last week, driven by the dominant Delta variant. The final step of Lockdown easing was delayed for four weeks to allow more people to get vaccinated.Public Health England data indicate that vaccines are very effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization from the Delta variant.Robert Jenrick, Housing Minister, stated on Sunday that face masks will no longer be required after the final step of lockdown easing. However many scientists and doctors urged the government be more cautious.It is absurd to remove face masks from public places such as public transport. Chaand Nagpaul (Chair of the Council of the British Medical Association trade association) stated that they are essential in preventing transmission.Personal choice is up to you. Public face masks don't protect the wearer in the majority. They protect those around them.(Reporting by Paul Sandle, Alistair Smout; editing done by Barbara Lewis and Kevin LiffeyPaul Sandle and Alistair Smout, both from Reuters, wrote this article and it was licensed legally through the Industry Dive publisher system. All licensing inquiries should be directed to legal@industrydive.comRegister Now for Skift Destination and Sustainability Summit, July 21
