British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all restrictions against COVID-19 will be lifted on 24 February. The decision is valid only for England, the rest of the United Kingdom continues to follow preventive measures.
“From this Thursday, we will lift the legal obligation to self-isolate after a positive test,” Johnson told MPs.
According to the politician, in England “there is enough accumulated immunity to believe in the power of vaccines and existing treatments for coronavirus.” Johnson added that the decision to lift restrictions also includes the distribution of free COVID-19 tests to the public.
The prime minister’s decision has sparked controversy among many experts who believe that Johnson’s plan to fight the coronavirus leaves the British more vulnerable to new strains. Labor Party member Wes Streeting, the shadow health minister, was more eloquent about the premier’s decision: “It’s like throwing a 2-1 lead with 10 minutes left and taking out your best centre-back.”