What are the steps in Britain’s COVID-19 reopening plan

Infographic: Marcelo Regalado

The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said today he is very optimistic about the prospect of all COVID-19 restrictions in England ending on June 21, adding that the government would conduct a review of the use of vaccination certificates.

Johnson yesterday presented England’s deconfinement plan, which will keep some businesses closed until the summer, and said you must be prudent to ensure that there are no setbacks on a “no return path to freedom”. “I have high hopes, but obviously nothing can be guaranteed, I am optimistic about our ability to achieve thisJohnson told media when asked about the June 21 date set to end the restrictions.

Johnson will order all schools to reopen on March 8 and swear that two families or a group of six friends can meet outside three weeks later, according to a scheme that has started circulating among residents.

You will establish a four step unlock plan to ease the restrictions that affect almost every corner of daily life, with a redevelopment space of several weeks between each reopening phase. With the aim of proposing a predictable pattern that reduces the effects that anxiety about the unexpected has caused to populations, the roadmap will include:

It is also expected that Prime Minister presents encouraging new data which appears to show that vaccines have an effect on transmission, a key factor for a more optimistic timetable for the reopening of the economy. On Monday morning, the minister responsible for the vaccination plan, Nadhim Zahawi, confirmed the initial phases of this approach and said at a press conference: “Suffice it to say, the evidence looks good. But we will not move forward if we are not sure that the immunization program is really starting to bear fruit. “

The roadmap will be established based on four key tests that must be satisfied before new restrictions start to be lifted, including infection rates, which scientists say remain extremely high. The prime minister has resisted calls for the beer gardens to reopen from Easter to allow people to socialize outside, which will now be postponed until at least April.

Restrictions will begin to be lifted for the first phase from March 8, when all schools will reopen, despite alerts from teachers’ unions. From that date, nursing homes will allow restricted visitation and people will be able to socialize outside with another friend or family member, which is currently not allowed. Outdoor sports and school activities will also resume.

As part of the first phase, the rules will be relaxed again on March 29, when schools begin their Easter break. Se eliminará la recomendación de que las personas “se queden en casa”, se podrán realizar reuniones al aire libre de seis personas o dos familias, y las instalaciones deportivas al aire libre reabrirán en esa fecha, incluyendo deportes organizados para adultos y niños como el soccer. Working from home is recommended where possible and travel abroad will not yet be permitted.

Starting April 12, non-essential retail stores, personal care stores, hair and nail salons, libraries, gyms, zoos and theme parks will be able to reopen. Pubs and restaurants can reopen outdoors, without a curfew. Wider social distancing rules continue and you can reside in a chalet or vacation rental

From May 17, the rule of six (up to 6 people) will be abolished outdoors, two people can meet in a house and the reopening of hotels, cinemas and playgrounds will be a fact. 1000 people or half of their capacity are allowed in indoor sports facilities and outdoor venues, up to 4000 people can be accommodated or half space capacity. Up to 10,000 participants are allowed at Wembley. The international journey begins.

And since June 21, all legal limits have been lifted to see a person in their home. The ability to host someone is generated and the restrictions on large events are lifted. Marriage restrictions could remain in place, government sources say The Guardian that there would be certain aspects of the blockade, such as working from home and international travel, for which changes have not yet been determined with precise dates, although hotels and international travel could, tentatively, resume in mid-May. This would be the cut-off moment when sources indicate that distancing measures would be reviewed.

“We can take these steps thanks to the determination of the British public and the extraordinary success of our NHS (National Health Service) by immunizing over 17.5 million people across the UK, ”the Prime Minister said.

With almost 130,000 dead, Britain suffered fifth highest official death toll in the world for the pandemic and its the economy experienced its steepest decline in over 300 years.

But Johnson said that rapid start of vaccine implementation What’s more, a sharp drop in infections could lead to a cautious relaxation of England’s harsh national lockout, which began on January 5.

As the plan unfolds, lawmakers will be able to vote on specific steps. The authorities of Scotland, Gale e North Ireland, who are responsible for their own public health, will also ease restrictions in the coming months.

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