The United Kingdom has announced a delay in reducing the restrictions on the blocking of the coronavirus in England.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson would continue to soften the measures residents have lived with for the past few months, but concerns about an increase in cases forced him to pause such plans, the BBC reported.
“On Saturday, August 1, we hoped to reopen in England some of the higher risk environments that had remained closed … Today I am afraid we are postponing those changes for at least a fortnight,” Johnson said at a press conference. according to Reuters.
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“I know that the steps we are taking will be a real blow to many people … I am really very sorry, but we simply cannot take the risk.”
In the next phase, casinos and bowling alleys were reopened, and the capacity for weddings would increase to 30 people.
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Pilot programs that allow limited capacity for sports facilities and conference centers are also delayed. Facial covers would be mandatory for indoor settings such as places of worship and movie theaters.
The decision follows reports of an increase in positive tests in parts of the country.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also announced in a tweet on Thursday that the government planned to step up closure measures in parts of northern England, including Blackburn, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale.
“The spread is primarily because households are located and do not respect social distancing,” said Hancock. “So, as of midnight tonight, people from different households will not be allowed to gather within these areas.”
On Friday morning, he added, “We take this step with a heavy heart, but it is so important that people follow the rules of social distancing so that we can control the virus and save lives.”
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Johnson said the government will begin enforcing the rules for facial coatings starting August 8.
