LONDON (CU)_As the stay-at-home order in England ended at midnight, people are now allowed to meet in groups of up to six or as two households, while outdoor sports facilities will also be reopening.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public to be cautious, saying infections were rising in Europe and virus variants are threatening the vaccine rollout.
“We must remain cautious with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout,” he said. “Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called.”
However, with the return of outdoor activities, PM Johnson called for the public to participate in a fitness drive.
“I know how much people have missed the camaraderie and competition of organised sport, and how difficult it has been to restrict physical activities – especially for children,” the Prime Minister said.
“So as teams return to outdoor pitches, courts, parks and fields, I hope today will kickstart a Great British summer of sport – with people of all ages reunited with teammates, and able to resume the activities they love.”
Nevertheless, he reminded the people to stick to existing rules on meeting indoors and when traveling, particularly amid a third Coronavirus wave in Europe.
He noted that the Britons should be “under no illusion” that Europe’s third wave wouldn’t hit the UK. The Prime Minister pointed out that previous experiences have taught the United Kingdom that “when a wave hits our friends… it washes up on our shores as well”.
Although greater outdoor freedoms are now permitted, however, the government is still urging people to work from home whenever possible, and minimise traveling. A new slogan, “Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air”, was also unveiled to emphasise the importance of ventilation in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged people to keep a safe distance when meeting others, and to do so outdoors, adding that the progress of the vaccine rollout “must be protected”.
57 per cent of all UK adults, amounting to over 30 million people, have received a single vaccine dose so far, while 7 per cent of adults have received a second jab.
