COVID-19: Full Easing of Lockdown on June 21, Says Government “Very Likely” But “Cautious” Approach Still Needed | Political news

The business secretary says there is a need to be “measured and cautious” due to India’s variant of COVID-19, but it is “very likely” that all restrictions will be removed by June 21.

Kwasi Kwarteng has defended the decision to ease the lockdown amid fears the variant, also known as B.1.617, could derail the final leg of England’s roadmap.

Live updates as lockdown got easier in England, Wales and Scotland

His comments come as people across England, as of today, are once again able to enjoy cuddles with loved ones, indoor pints and holidays abroad, but like Boris Johnson also urged a “heavy dose of caution” because of the threat from the Indian variant.

So far, more than 1,300 cases of the Indian variant have been discovered in the UK, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned him on Sunday. “Becomes the dominant strain” in places like Bolton, as well as Blackburn.

Mr Kwarteng told Sky News: “Yes, things open up but people should have common sense, they should exercise judgment and I think if we act in a reasonable way there is no reason. to assume that we can’t completely reopen the economy on June 21.

“I think there has to be some common sense, a little bit of caution, and that people shouldn’t run away being too rambunctious, I guess.”

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“I think we just need to be measured and careful.”

Asked whether the unlock next month could still happen despite a growing number of cases of Indian variants, Mr Kwarteng said he “fully” expected the June 21 date to be met, adding: “I think this is very likely.”

He added: “I said the vaccines worked against the Indian variant, I think we need to look at the numbers so that we have some flexibility, but there is nothing that I have seen and nothing but the Prime Minister has not seen.till now, this suggests that we …