UK Covid: Johnson urges people to take unlocking ‘as slowly as we can’ amid 34,471 new cases – as it happened

This live blog is now closed.For more coronavirus news from around the world, head to our global Covid blogPM urges Covid caution as hospitalisations could hit at least 1,000 a dayWhat Sage says about impact of PM ’s plan to ease restrictions in EnglandBusinesses urged to check people ’s Covid status as reopening confirmedWhitty says there is no ideal time to lift restrictionsJavid confirms restrictions could return if Covid situation worsensTory MP apologises for mocking Rashford ’s food poverty campaigning6.36pmBSTIt is absolutely vital that we proceed now with caution. And I cannot say this powerfully or emphatically enough. This pandemic is not over. This disease coronavirus continues to carry risks for you and for your family.We cannot simply revert instantly from Monday 19 July to life as it was before Covid.Related:Coronavirus live: France and Greece to mandate jabs for healthcare staff; Dutch PM sorry for opening up too soon6.17pmBSTThe Royal College of Nursing has said the government will regret abandoning the requirement for masks to be worn in shops and on public transport in England. In a statement its general secretary and chief executive,Pat Cullen, said:Covid-19 remains a significant risk to the public ’s health and healthcare workers’. When cases are rising across the UK, we must not lose the benefits of a successful vaccine programme to rash decisions.This disease does not disappear on 19 July and pressure will continue to be placed on all health an...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Coronavirus Politics UK news Boris Johnson Chris Whitty Labour Keir Starmer Sajid Javid Conservatives Rail industry Race Marcus Rashford Euro 2020 Patrick Vallance Science Infectious diseases Source Type: news