January 22, 2021
1 min read

Boris refuses to rule out lockdown until Summer

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that it was “too early to say when restrictions will be lifted” as coronavirus infections in the country continue to remain high.

“We’ve got to observe the lockdown, the stay at home message, protect each other and protect the NHS (National Health Service). It’s absolutely crucial in what is unquestionably going to be a tough few weeks ahead,” he said on Thursday during a visit to the Greater Manchester area hit by heavy flooding.

Johnson said figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and other studies showed clearly that the new coronavirus variant, which was first discovered in the country late last year, is very contagious, reports Xinhua news agency.

“It is not more deadly but it is more contagious and the numbers are very great,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s spokesman told journalists at a Westminster briefing that the UK government continues to keep all of the scientific evidence and data under review regarding the decision to lift lockdown.

“It remains our position that we want to ease restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so, but in order for us to do that we need to see the transmission rates of the virus come down and we need to see the pressure on the NHS reduce,” said the spokesman.

Ministers “stand ready to strengthen our border policy where we think it’s appropriate to protect the public”, he said when asked about reports suggesting people coming to the UK could be required to pay to stay in a hotel for two weeks while they quarantine.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.

Similar restriction measures are also in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

On Tuesday, the country’s Covid-19 death toll surpassed the grim milestone of 90,000.

As of Friday morning, the UK has registered a total of 3,553,773 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 94,765 deaths.

Also Read-Peru prepares for general elections in April

Previous Story

‘It’s what people need, what the country needs’

Next Story

EU agrees to consider further restrictions

Latest from -Top News

Sudan army pulls out as RSF seizes El-Fasher

al-Burhan made the announcement late on Monday, a day after the RSF claimed to have captured the main Sudanese army base in el-Fasher….reports Asian Lite News Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah

India vigilant as Nepal faces political uncertainty

Indian agencies suspect that external elements are making attempts to create a political vacuum in the country. …reports Asian Lite News India is closely monitoring political developments in Nepal, emphasising that stability

India vows stronger maritime ties with ASEAN

Conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm greetings on the 20th anniversary of the East Asia Summit (EAS), he said India deeply values the members’ contributions to regional peace, progress, and prosperity….reports Asian

Piyush Goyal in Brussels as India, EU push FTA talks

Goyal’s visit reflects India’s steadfast commitment to deepening engagement with the European Union…reports Asian Lite News Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday met EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security

Shutdown Turmoil Grounds Thousands of US Flights

On Sunday alone, over 8,700 flights were delayed, according to FlightAware, as staffing shortfalls continue to mount…reports Asian Lite News More than 4,000 flights across the US were delayed on Monday, with
Go toTop