Johnson: Indian variant could pose ‘disruption’ to Step 4 in June

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Lockdown rules will ease across England, Wales and most of Scotland as of Monday, May 17, with people now allowed to socialise indoors in limited numbers and indoor hospitality reopening. However, a coronavirus variant first detected in India is on the rise in the UK and is causing experts some concern.

Will we go into lockdown again?

The question of whether the UK will go into another lockdown depends heavily on how the India variant plays out.

Scientists advising the UK government have said the B.1.617.2 variant does spread more easily, and it is expected to eventually become the dominant strain in the UK.

Cases in the UK are up 8.6 percent week on week, with deaths up 10.4 percent.

After weeks of falling numbers, this is unwelcome news for citizens who have endured so long away from loved ones.

The key to keeping lockdown at bay, the Prime Minister said, is the behaviour of the public as the nation unlocks, and getting vaccinated.

Boris Johnson said: “Together we have reached another milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution.

“Everyone must play their part by getting tested twice a week, coming forward for your vaccine when called and remembering hands, face, space and fresh air.

“I urge everyone to be cautious and take responsibility when enjoying new freedoms today in order to keep the virus at bay.”0, with the hope that some could be lifted on May 24.

Public Health England said there was “insufficient evidence” to indicate that the India variant makes current vaccines any less effective.

More than 19 million people – a third of the adult population – have had both jabs of their vaccine. Another 17 million have had one.

While the vaccines won’t necessarily stop the spread of mutated variants altogether, there is strong evidence showing they prevent severe disease.

The rollout of vaccines is being tweaked by the government to give vulnerable people more immunity faster.

But if the variant does begin to show signs of overwhelming the population and lead to a spike in hospitalisations and pressure on the NHS, there is the possibility of another lockdown.

Mr Johnson said that, if the Indian variant proves to be “significantly more transmissible” than other strains, “we’re likely to face some hard choices” in the UK.

What are the new rules from May 17?

England:

• People can now meet indoors in groups of up to six or two households, or in groups of up to 30 outdoors
• Overnight stays are allowed
• Pubs, bars and restaurants can serve customers indoors
• Museums, cinemas, children’s play areas, theatres, concert halls and sports stadiums can all reopen, as can hotels
• Social distancing guidance is changing and contact with other households (like hugs) is a matter of personal choice

Scotland (except Glasgow and Moray):

• People can meet indoors in groups of six from up to three households
• Outdoors, up to eight people from eight households can mix
• Pubs and restaurants can serve alcohol indoors until 10.30pm
• Entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres and bingo halls can reopen and up to 100 people are allowed at indoor events

Wales:

• Pubs and restaurants can reopen indoors and customers can meet in groups of up to six from six households
• All holiday accommodation can reopen
• Cinemas, bowling alleys, museums, galleries and theatres can reopen
• No change to indoor socialising – this is still restricted to extended households where two households can mix with each other and have physical contact

And in all three nations, foreign holidays are allowed.

Northern Ireland will review lockdown rules on May 2

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