COVID-19: Doctors call for “targeted coronavirus prevention measures” to be maintained after July 19 | UK News

Some coronavirus prevention measures are expected to remain after July 19 to stop the “alarming” rise in cases, according to the British Medical Association.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hopeful that the final phase of his plans to end England’s restrictions can take place on July 19.

But figures from Public Health England show 161,981 confirmed cases and likely the Delta variant – up 50,824 or 46% from the previous week.

BMA board chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul said easing restrictions was not an “all or nothing” decision, and that “sensitive and prudent” measures will be vital to minimize the impact of new waves, new variations and blockages.

He added: “As the number of cases continues to increase at an alarming rate due to the rapid transmission of the Delta variant and the increase in the number of people mixing together, it makes no sense to suppress the restrictions in full in just over two weeks.

“The promise was to make decisions based on data, not dates, and while we were pleased to see the government react to the data by delaying easing on June 21 last month, ministers should not simply ignore the most recent and damning numbers of rush to meet their new deadline of July 19. ”

Dr Nagpaul said the BMA was not asking that the reopening be delayed but that it wanted “targeted measures” to help prevent transmission of the virus.

These include face masks in public spaces such as shops and public transport, better public messaging on the importance of social distancing and ventilation.

Dr Nagpaul added: “Everyone appreciates the efforts and sacrifices we have all made so far to suppress the spread of the virus, and it would be tragic if we were to cancel this good work now.”

The number of people admitted to hospital with COVID-19 remains low compared to the increase in cases, but Dr Nagpaul said: “Even though people are not being admitted to the hospital at the same rate, the levels community transmission crescents provide a …