LONDON: England can certainly lift most of the restrictions on Covid-19 left in July 19, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, in his most confident statement but what was dubbed the “freedom day” will take place as planned.
Johnson, whose government is under fire after the resignation of Health Minister Matt Hancock for violating restrictions, hoping to open the England economy last week.
But with the case of Coronavirus, mostly driven by a more transfer variant of Delta, the government delayed until July 19.
“With every day passing more clearly for me and all of our scientific advisers who are very likely to be in a position on July 19 to say that actually is terminus and we can return to life as before Covid as far as possible,” Johnson told reporters.
Substitute Hancock, Sajid Javid, said on Monday, he wanted restrictions raised as soon as possible.
Hancock had been forced to resign after the Sun tabloid published photos he kissed and embraced the aide in his office at that time violating the rules for people to make intimate contacts with someone outside their household.
Johnson initially said on Friday that he considered this problem to be closed after Hancock apologized publicly, and on Saturday said he regretted having to receive a resignation letter.
“I read the story on Friday and we have a new health secretary on Saturday – and I think it’s about the right speed to continue the pandemic,” he said.