‘I want to dance’: All COVID curbs lifted in England

Government hopes high vaccination rate will protect population even as cases surge in a move condemned by scientists.

The British government on Monday lifted all pandemic restrictions in England – including rules on mask wearing and social distancing – despite scientists’ warnings that the move will further fuel an already surging pandemic and risk creating new variants. The curbs were lifted at midnight (23:00 GMT) on Sunday as laws mandating face masks and working form home were scrapped. The lifting of the rules means nightclubs were also able to reopen for the first time since the UK first went into lockdown in March last year. Other indoor venues such as theatres and cinemas will also be able to operate at full capacity. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is in isolation after health minister Sajid Javid tested positive for COVID-19, urged people to remain cautious. His government is hoping that the UK’s rollout of coronavirus vaccines will help protect the country even as infections surge to levels last seen in January.