UK lifts foreign travel ban, pubs reopen as lockdown eases
London, May 17 (EFE).- The United Kingdom is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as of Monday when most of the country lifted a ban on foreign travel and reopened the interiors of pubs, restaurants, museums and gyms — albeit with restrictions – as it proceeded to the next stage of dismantling a strict Covid-19 lockdown.
After five months of tough pandemic restrictions, Brits are also allowed to meet up indoors with a maximum of six people and hug family members.
The UK’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, on Sunday evening urged the public to remain cautious amid concerns about the effect of the Indian variant of the coronavirus, particularly in the north of England.
New travel rules means holidaymakers can travel to areas on the UK government’s so-called green list, which includes Israel and Portugal, without having to quarantine when they return home.
However, popular destinations such as Spain and France remain on the amber list.
UK health authorities on Monday recorded 1,979 new cases of Covid-19 and five deaths in the last 24 hours.
The easing of lockdown measures will be welcomed by culture-lovers, too, as museums like the Tate and theaters reopen to audiences once again for the first time in months.
The new Covid-19 rules came into effect in England, Scotland and Wales, while Northern Ireland will review its lockdown measures on 20 May. EFE
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