Total UK deaths linked to virus now at 128,222
Boris Johnson will on Monday at 5pm announce the beginning of the end of strict Covid-19 measures as of July 19, according to Sky News.
This includes, among other things, the requirement to wear face masks, social distancing and the guidance to work from home where possible.
As the vaccine roll-out is well in effect, Johnson will make the case that now is the time to fully open the economy and that the UK should “learn to live” with the virus, while continuing to warn of its potential harm.
The prime minister will confirm that he expects deaths and illness to carry on as a result of the coronavirus, but levels will remain lower than before the vaccine roll-out.
The last of Johnson’s four step roadmap was put back by a month in June, on a rise in the number of cases, as the prime minister wanted to make sure every adult had the opportunity to be vaccinated.
“We expect, by 19 July, that will be over two-thirds of the adult population having had their second dose – so that is far more protection from COVID,” Health Minister Helen Whately told Sky News.
The UK on Monday reported an additional 24,248 Covid-19 cases and 15 deaths. This compares to 24,855 cases and 18 deaths on Saturday.
45,274,497 people have had at least one dose of a vaccine, while 33,614,952 are 100% vaccinated.
Total deaths in the UK linked to coronavirus, within four weeks of a positive test, are now at 128,222.