England lifts almost all corona rules - Prime Minister Boris Johnson in quarantine

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Boris Johnson (July 14th)

Photo: Matt Dunham / AP

At midnight (local time) the time had come: In England, most of the corona restrictions were lifted on Monday - despite the increasing number of infections.

According to government information, the mask requirement and distance rules are no longer required.

In addition, discos are allowed to reopen, theaters and sports stadiums can occupy all seats.

The recommendation to work from home is also canceled.

Exceptions apply in London, where the mask requirement remains in place in local transport.

The government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson justified the radical opening step with the high vaccination rate in the country.

However, the easing in the UK is highly controversial.

The opposition accuses the government of ruthlessness, and scientists fear another large corona wave.

In the run-up to the self-proclaimed "Freedom Day" on Sunday, Johnson had warned citizens to exercise caution and responsibility.

The highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is already spreading rapidly in Great Britain.

The previous restrictions will initially remain in the British parts of Wales and Scotland, which are independent in terms of health policy.

Excitement about Johnson's Covid contact

By now, 88 percent of adults in the UK have had a first vaccination.

Almost 68 percent have already been vaccinated twice.

The link between new infections and hospital admissions and deaths has been weakened considerably, the government argued.

The number of new infections within one week per 100,000 inhabitants had recently risen to 360.

Prime Minister Johnson caused confusion himself on Sunday.

He had been in contact with his health minister, Sajid Javid, who had Covid-19.

Nevertheless, according to the government’s first announcement, Johnson will not go into the intended self-isolation.

Finance Minister Rishi Sunak is also exempt from the regulation.

The reason was as follows: Both were taking part in a pilot project - daily tests instead of self-isolation.

Besides, Johnson would only go about the most important government business for the time being.

Outside of his working hours, he will isolate himself.

Likewise the finance minister.

That allows them to continue working from Downing Street.

Sharp criticism - then the U-turn

A few hours later, they both turned around.

The British prime minister and his finance minister are going into quarantine, it was now said.

As required by law.

Neither would, as previously announced, take part in the pilot study, the Johnson office announced - shortly after opposition leader Keir Starmer spoke up.

Johnson and Sunak were "caught once again" breaking rules "that we all obey," said the Labor leader.

And further: Johnson's behavior creates chaos, is bad governance and has "fatal consequences for the British public."

jok / AFP