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“Advances in treatment, in vaccine testing mean that scientific cavalry is now in sight,” he told parliament.
FILE: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivers a speech during his visit to Dudley College of Technology in Dudley, central England, on June 30, 2020. Image: AFP
LONDON – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that the coronavirus “escape route” was in sight when he announced that tough restrictions in England would not extend beyond December 2.
“Advances in treatment, in vaccine testing mean that scientific cavalry is now in sight,” he told parliament.
“We know in our hearts that we will make it through next year. By spring, these advances should reduce the need for the restrictions we endure in 2020.
“We have turned a corner and the escape route is in sight,” he said, while warning that “Christmas cannot be normal and there is a long way to spring.”
Johnson announced that England would re-enter a tiered system of tighter regional restrictions when the current lockdown expires on Dec. 2, bolstered by major testing programs in the areas with the highest rates.
Relaxing the restrictions will allow people to leave their homes for any purpose, with public religious ceremonies and certain leisure activities once again allowed.
Up to 4,000 spectators will be able to return to sports arenas and live performances in low-risk areas of England, although pubs can only reopen if they are not at the highest level.
The prime minister also announced a “limited-time” waiver for families to reunite at Christmas.
“We all want some kind of Christmas, we need it,” he said in a statement from Downing Street, where he self-isolates himself after coming into contact with a parliamentarian carrying the virus.
“What we don’t want is to put caution aside and allow the virus to flare up again,” he added.
“Families should make a careful judgment about the risk of visiting older relatives.”
The prime minister’s short-term plan revolves around massive rapid tests following a trial in the city of Liverpool that the government said had caused a “substantial drop” in cases.
The system is now being tested at the state National Health Service (NHS) and nursing homes, which is expected to allow residents to reconnect with visitors.
If successful, it will spread to the entire country and to the general population.
‘THEY’RE KILLING CHRISTMAS’
Downing Street has said the tiered system will be similar to the one that existed before the shutdown, but more restrictive in some areas.
The government, under pressure due to the economic impact of the outbreak, must announce on Thursday at which level each region will be located.
Leaders in the hospitality industry criticized the continued restrictions on their businesses.
“They are killing Christmas and beyond for many businesses and their customers who expect and trust venues to be open at this time of year,” said Kate Nicholls of trade body UKHospitality.
“Sadly, for many of the staff, it will be a Christmas without a job.”
Britain has seen more than 55,000 deaths out of some 1.5 million cases, one of the worst rates in the world, and has been struggling to control a second surge in infections.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC radio on Monday that “the upper level will have to be tougher than the previous upper level.”
“We need to make sure we reduce the virus, not just flatten it,” he said.
Johnson’s announcement came after British pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford said on Monday they would seek approval for their Covid-19 vaccine after it showed an average effectiveness of 70%.
“The most hopeful development of all is how vaccines are getting closer and closer to ridding us of the virus, emphatically demonstrating that this is not an endless pandemic. We can cheer on today’s news,” Johnson said.
“The NHS is preparing a nationwide immunization plan ready next month, as we have never witnessed,” he added.
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