England is ready to hug again. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said British people can begin hugging again carefully. This new easing of pandemic restrictions comes during a big decrease in infections across the country. Great Britain is now seeing around 2,000 new coronavirus cases a day, down from nearly 70,000 a day during the January peak. Daily deaths have also dropped a lot, with only two recorded Sunday. The country’s emergency level was also lowered to level three from four on Monday following a decrease in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. This means that the virus is no longer considered to be spreading quickly. This unlocking amounts to a very considerable step on the road back to normality, and I am confident that we will be able to go further, Johnson said in a press conference. Britain has recorded Europe’s highest number of coronavirus deaths, with more than 127,500. But new infections have decreased following a firm lockdown and one of the most successful vaccination programs in the world. Around 53 percent of the British population has received one dose of vaccine. On May 17, Johnson is expected to announce that families will be able to visit each other indoors as well as gather in restaurants. All gatherings will be limited to six people or to two different families. The limit on outdoor gatherings is expected to be raised to 30 people. Similar restrictions are being eased in the other countries in Great BritainScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Indoor activities and businesses such as cinemas, sports, and hotels are also expected to reopen. The government said the plan is being guided by “data, not dates.”
