Growing cases of the Indian variant of COVID could delay the easing of restrictions and force the government to impose local lockdowns, a minister has warned.
When asked if the proposed end of restrictions in England on June 21 might not go as planned, Environment Secretary George Eustice told Sky News: “We can’t rule anything out.”
He said imposing local lockdowns in areas where the population remains at risk while opening up the rest of the country is one of the options being considered.
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Mr Eustice said: “The Prime Minister said we would take one step at a time.
“Just yesterday we had a new round of easements … We have to see how that will come down over the next two to three weeks, and then shortly before June 21 we will be able to assess whether we can take the next step. “
Asked whether the government is actively considering imposing local restrictions on areas that are still struggling after June 21, he added: “It would be an option.
“We can’t rule anything out, but our preferred outcome is to double and increase vaccination rates in areas that are experiencing these problems so that we can give them the immunity they need, and then we won’t have . to have such local locks. “
Monday, people across England were once again able to enjoy cuddles with loved ones, indoor pints and overseas vacations – but Boris Johnson called for a “heavy dose of caution”.
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Mr. Eustice’s comments come after Ministers have stepped up calls for people to get a COVID hit…
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-05-18 06:38:00
