The Latest: Britain tops 50K cases ahead of easing rules

Britain has recorded more than 50,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time in six months

LONDON — Britain has recorded more than 50,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time in six months. Government figures showed another 51,870 confirmed lab cases, the first time surpassing the 50,000 level since mid-January. Despite the surge, the British government on Monday will lift all remaining legal restrictions in England on social contact and mask-wearing in most indoor settings, including shops, trains, buses and subways. The government says the rapid rollout of vaccines will keep a lid on the number of people becoming seriously ill. However, some leading international scientists joined forces at an emergency international summit on Friday and called the moves “reckless.”