Restrictions could be extended beyond June 21

The Indian variant of Covid is spreading in the country.

While vaccination programme is ready to be extended to all over-50s, ministers are still in doubt on whether lift the coronavirus restrictions. Ministers are to evaluate a further easing of restrictions, set on June 21, within the next week.

Restrictions could be extended beyond June 21

According to vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi, all over-50s will be offered both Covid vaccine’s doses before June 21. Mr Zahawi said on this regard: “Together we will beat Covid. The team is focused on another big week ahead.” Although more than 25 million people have been now fully vaccinated, proposals for domestic vaccine passports have reportedly been shelved.

In the meantime, the Indian variant of Covid is spreading in the country. The ceaseless increase of Indian variant’s cases could delay the return to normal, as ministers are thinking out an extension of some measures. The requirement to wear face masks and the guidance on working from home could, in fact, stay in force even after June 21.

The Government won’t take the final decision until June 14. The latest data will indeed help ministers to decide about a further easing of restrictions on June 21.

Mr Zahawi explained that vaccination rate is one of the key criteria. He told BBC1: “What I’m saying to you is we have to be cautious. We have to look at the data and share it with the country. Are we still vaccinating at scale? Big tick. Are the vaccines working? Yes.

“But are infection rates too high for us to then not be able to proceed because there are too many people getting into hospital? I don’t know the answer to it.”