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Boris Johnson to end UK mask mandate and end most restrictions on July 19th

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out his plan to lift most of England’s remaining coronavirus restrictions by mid-July.

Members of Johnson’s SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) have said that this move may be premature due to the spread of the delta variant. Johnson said Monday that the “continuing effectiveness” of the vaccine rollout allows England to consider loosening restrictions, rather than tightening them, as cases rise. “I want to stress from the outset that this pandemic is far from over,” Johnson told a news conference.

“It certainly won’t be over by [July] the 19th,” he said. “We’re seeing cases rise fairly rapidly,” Johnson added. “There could be 50,000 cases detected per day by the 19th, and again as we predicted we’re seeing rising hospital admissions, and we must reconcile ourselves sadly to more deaths from Covid.” Johnson’s announcement comes two weeks before the planned date of 19 July for lifting all restrictions in England.

The prime minister added that a final decision on unlocking would be made on July 12, after considering data. As part of the lifting of restrictions, now known as “Freedom Day” there would be a move away from legal restrictions to personal responsibility, said Johnson. This meant lifting of laws on face coverings, social distancing, and instructions to work from home.

“I don’t want people to get de-mob happy,” said Johnson. “This is still far from over.” Johnson stated that now is the right time to open, with it being summer season in the UK and the school holidays. “If we can’t open in the next few weeks … then when can we?” Johnson said.

ARTICLE: PAUL MURDOCH

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE
PHOTO CREDITS: VANITY FAIR

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Paul Murdoch

Paul, 37, is from Scotland in the UK, but currently lives and works in Bangkok. Paul has worked in different industries such as telemarketing, retail, hospitality, farming, insurance, and teaching, where he works now. He teaches at an all-girls High School in Bangkok. “It’s a lot of work, but I love my job.” Paul has an active interest in politics. His reason for writing for FBA is to offer people the facts and allow them to make up their own minds. Whilst he believes opinion columns have their place, it is also important that people can have accurate news with no bias.

Paul, 37, is from Scotland in the UK, but currently lives and works in Bangkok. Paul has worked in different industries such as telemarketing, retail, hospitality, farming, insurance, and teaching, where he works now. He teaches at an all-girls High School in Bangkok. “It’s a lot of work, but I love my job.” Paul has an active interest in politics. His reason for writing for FBA is to offer people the facts and allow them to make up their own minds. Whilst he believes opinion columns have their place, it is also important that people can have accurate news with no bias.

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