Johnson urges caution as UK goes ahead with lifting restrictions

London, Jul 12 (EFE).- UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Brits on Monday to remain cautious as the country goes ahead with the lifting of coronavirus restrictions on July 19.

“We think now is the right moment to proceed,” Johnson told a news conference Monday.

“But it is absolutely vital to proceed now with caution, and I cannot say this powerfully or emphatically enough, this pandemic is not over,” he warned.

The UK government confirmed restrictions would be lifted as planned on July 19 but strongly recommended the use of face masks in indoor public spaces including public transport. However, there will be no legal requirement to do so.

Even though ministers admitted cases could reach up to 100,000 cases per day after restrictions are lifted, the government said the decision to go ahead with the plan was approved because the pressure on the national health service is under control.

Boris said the work from home guideline will also come to an end but encouraged a gradual return to the workplace over the summer.

Despite the relaxation of most social norms, the UK will maintain its current tough border measures whereby it classifies countries according to their epidemiological risk.

The UK reported 34,471 new coronavirus cases and six new deaths in the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data. EFE

prc/mp