British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the plans of the UK government to lift the epidemiological restrictions that are currently in place in England. However, the population has been advised to continue to wear face masks in indoor public spaces and public transport, British news portal The Guardian reports.
On Wednesday, January 19, Johnson announced in the UK legislature that the government plan is to end compulsory mask-wearing on public transport and in shops, lift guidance to work from home and vaccine certificates. The legal requirement on people with coronavirus to self-isolate would be allowed to lapse, when these regulations would expire on March 24, and that date could be brought forward.
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«In the country at large we will continue to suggest the use of face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces, particularly when you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, but we will trust the judgment of the British people and no longer criminalise anyone who chooses not to wear one,» Johnson said.
The parliamentary opposition expressed caution about the government’s plans. Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition Labour Party commented that he would back the relaxation «as long as the science says it is safe», The Guardian reports.
UK plans to lift virus restrictions in England
