Johnson confirms plans to reopen in England as cases continue to rise

London, Jul 5 (EFE).- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Monday that Covid-19 restrictions in England will be lifted in two weeks, despite rising coronavirus infections in the country.

From July 19, wearing a mask or observing social distance will become optional, while all other limits or restrictions relating to the pandemic will also be removed.

At a press conference, Johnson said that if on July 12 the favorable epidemiological data are confirmed, coronavirus “legal restrictions” will disappear the following week and certain sectors of the economy that have been closed for months, such as some major events and nightlife, will finally be allowed to reopen without limits.

The prime minister said the country needed to “learn to live with Covid”.

“We will allow people to make informed decisions about how to manage the virus,” Johnson said, although he added that “guidance” on issues such as when people “might” be advised to wear a mask will remain in place.

The decision to reopen comes despite surging numbers of coronavirus infections, driven by the more infectious Delta variant of the virus, although hospital admissions have remained relatively low.

jm/ks