Johnson set to announce delay to get rid of of COVID restrictions

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is likely to announce on Monday that the end of COVID-19 restrictions will be delayed by weeks following concerns about a rapid rise of Delta variant infections.

Under a road map outlined by Johnson in February, the government said all social restrictions would be lifted "no earlier" than June 21, when pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and other hospitality venues could fully reopen.

But in recent weeks there's been fast growth in new cases due to the Delta variant, first learned in India, which health officials believe to be 60% more transmissible compared to the previous dominant strain and scientists warn could trigger a third wave of infections. Johnson hasn't denied ideas in the media that the finish of lockdown will be delayed by up to month, saying in recent days there is "serious concern" about rising infections and hospitalizations. "We're continuing to check out the data, no ultimate decision has been taken and the proper time to fill every person in on what we're going to do with ... June the 21st is tomorrow," Johnson told reporters aftera Group of Seven summit on Sunday. Junior health minister Ed Argar said on Monday he expected Johnson to announce more aid for business if there was a delay in easing capacity constraints.

"I know that whenever he addresses his decision, sets out what he intends to accomplish around the easing on the 21st, he'll address those points aswell," Argar told Sky News.

"He's very mindful of the necessity for businesses and others to have the support they need if indeed they continue being locked down or struggling to open," Argar added.

Britain's furlough program supports just over 2 million jobs and is because of continue before end of September. But from July employers will need to pay 10% of furloughed staff's wages, rising to 30% in September.