UK delays easing COVID-19 lockdown as cases rise

Johnson says ‘sensible to wait just a little longer’ as Delta variant fuels a new wave of infections.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that the next planned relaxation of coronavirus restrictions in England will be delayed by four weeks – until July 19 – as a result of the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant. “On the evidence I can see right now, I’m confident that we will not need more than four weeks and won’t need to go beyond July 19,” Johnson told a press briefing as he announced the delay from the planned June 21 reopening date. The UK prime minister said it was “sensible to wait just a little longer” and that “now is the time to ease off the accelerator”.