Spread of Delta variant is of ‘serious concern’, says Johnson

London, Jun 12 (EFE).- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said the spread of the coronavirus Delta variant, first detected in India, was concerning, admitting that the government should be “cautious” in its final stages of reopening.

“It’s clear that the Indian variant is more transmissible and it’s also true that the cases are going up, and that the levels of hospitalization are going up,” Johnson told Sky News from the G7 Summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall.

Although it is unclear how the new variant might affect Covid-19 mortality rates, “clearly it’s a matter of serious, serious concern,” he added.

 He admitted he is less optimistic than in he was late May, adding that the government wants an “irreversible” roadmap out of the coronavirus-related restrictions. 

All Covid-19-rleated restrictions are due to be completely lifted by 21 June, but British media reported on Saturday that the government is considering delaying the final phase of the reopening plan by at least four weeks until late July amid a spike in coronavirus cases, driven by the Delta variant.

 The government is set to announce its decision on Monday.

 Over the past few days, many scientists have advocated for delaying the total reopening until more people are vaccinated to avoid a third wave of infections.

So far, 29 million people have been fully immunized, which represents some 55.4 percent of the adult population. EFE

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