UK PM hopes for go back to normality by Christmas
Britain could go back to normality from the coronavirus outbreak by Christmas, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday, despite fears of another wave of cases over winter.
Johnson sketched out a timetable for easing the rest of the lockdown measures in England, including lifting homeworking guidance and reopening sports stadiums and live theatre.
"It is my strong and sincere hope that people will be able to review the outstanding restrictions and allow a more significant go back to normality from November, at the initial, possibly with time for Christmas," he said.
Current government guidance is for employees to work from home where they can.
But under the latest proposals, Johnson said employers can have "more discretion" and consult with workers whether it's safe to come back to any office from August 1.
Asked if that was at odds along with his own government's advice, Johnson also said persons could still continue steadily to work from home.
From the same date, most remaining leisure venues, including skating rinks and casinos may possibly also reopen, at the mercy of social distancing regulations.
Wedding receptions with up to 30 guests would also be allowed.
Johnson also said the state-run National Health Service (NHS) would receive a supplementary £3 billion (US$3.8 billion, 3.3 million euros) to get ready for a possible winter spike in cases.
"Even as we arrange for the worst, I strongly believe we should also hope for the best," he added.
Fears of another wave of infections were raised this week when scientists said nearly 120,000 people could die in hospitals alone from September to June next year.
The warning was submit as a "reasonable worst-case scenario" if no counter-measures were put in place.
Johnson acknowledged the risks of reopening, particularly for winter when the NHS can often be under greater strain as a result of seasonal flu outbreaks.
But he said councils across England will be given new powers to impose local restrictions quickly regarding outbreaks, instead of a renewed nationwide lockdown.
Leicester, a city in central England, has been under local lockdown for the last two weeks due to a spike in cases.
Johnson gave sports fans something to cheer about by announcing the intention to allow crowds to return to stadiums, at the mercy of successful test events, from October.
Mass gatherings have already been banned since March, and the showpiece English Premier League has been played behind closed doors, without fans, since it resumed.
Among the pilot events could be the World Snooker Championship, the Glorious Goodwood horseracing festival and two county cricket friendly matches later this month.
Britain has seen more than 45,000 deaths in the outbreak - the worst in Europe - resulting in criticism about the government method of tackle the crisis.
On Friday, the health ministry ordered an urgent review into how death tolls are counted, after a report claimed an overestimation because figures included persons who died long after dealing with the virus.--AFP
