UK simplifies lockdown as Covid-19 vaccination campaign turns the tide

France imposed a new nationwide lockdown last week, while Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany is pushing powerful regional governments to take tougher measures to curb infections.

Mr Johnson said the situation in neighboring countries means the UK cannot be complacent as he confirmed that England will move to phase two of a four-step reopening plan from April 12. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own health policies and are moving in the same direction.

“We can see the waves of disease plaguing other countries, and we’ve seen how this story goes,” he said at a news conference. He urged the British to get vaccinated, to continue to practice social aloofness and to limit travel.

The UK closed again in January after a highly contagious new variant of the coronavirus causing Covid-19 sparked a deadly winter wave of infections. That variant, known as B.1.1.7, has since been found in more than 100 countries, including the US and much of Europe.

At its peak in early January, the UK was registering 60,000 new cases a day and thousands of people hospitalized every day. Almost 150,000 people are known to have died from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.

The number of cases has now dropped to about 2,700 per day and the number of deaths has fallen sharply. The UK recorded an average of about 1,200 deaths per day during the worst days of January; now it is recording around 30.

More than 31 million people, or nearly half of the population, have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The government has said its goal of offering every adult a vaccination by the end of June remains attainable despite supply interruptions.

The pace of vaccine roll-out in Britain has exacerbated tensions with the European Union over vaccine supplies, which have been affected by production disruptions in Europe and India. EU leaders cautiously backed tightened export controls on vaccines in March, but said the bloc should be careful to avoid threatening international supply chains.

Mr Johnson said on Monday that starting April 12, non-essential stores could reopen and bars and restaurants could serve food and drink outside. Limited mixing of households outdoors is permitted. Some major sporting events will continue to test measures to reduce infection. Libraries and outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas may also reopen.

The government has set its roadmap for reopening in February. Provided the targets for vaccinations, caseloads and hospital occupancy are met, the next phase of reopening is scheduled for mid-May. That will allow for the reopening of many covered locations and further relaxation when mixing households. In the final phase, scheduled for June, almost all remaining restrictions will be lifted.

The government has said its plans could be changed or postponed depending on the course of the epidemic or if another worrying variant of the virus emerges.

“We don’t see anything in the current data to make us think we are going to have to deviate from that roadmap,” said Mr Johnson.

Less clear to Brits looking for a summer vacation are the rules for international travel, which are still subject to restrictions. The government hopes to lift the restrictions in the coming months, but it depends on progress against the virus elsewhere.

Write to Jason Douglas at [email protected]