COVID-19: No early release from restrictions in England, says Boris Johnson because it is “sensitive to stick” to the plan of July 19 | UK News

Boris Johnson has suggested there will be no early release from COVID restrictions in England, with July 19 likely remaining as Freedom Day.

The Prime Minister’s comments came following discussions with the new Health Secretary, Sajid Javid.

During a campaign visit to Johnstone’s Paints Limited in Batley, Mr Johnson said: “I had a good conversation yesterday, a long meeting with Sajid Javid, the new Secretary of Health.

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“While there are encouraging signs and the number of deaths remains low and the number of hospitalizations remains low, although both are increasing a bit, we are seeing an increase in cases.

“So we think it makes sense to stick with our plan to have a cautious but irreversible approach, to use the next three weeks or so to complete the deployment of this vaccine as much as possible – five million more shots. that we can put in people’s arms on July 19.

“And then with each passing day, it is clearer to me and to all of our scientific advisers that we will most likely be able on July 19 to say that this is really the end of the line and that we can resume life as before COVID. to the extent possible. “

Mr Javid described lifting the coronavirus restrictions as soon as possible as his “top priority” and said there would be “no turning back” once they are over.

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The former chancellor took a less cautious tone on lockdown restrictions when he took over from Matt Hancock, who stepped down on Saturday.

But Mr Javid stressed the need to be “careful” with any changes to ensure they …