Corona virus in the UK: risks re-opening the country ‘under control’ with rising cases and deaths – ocpoca Negócios

“Independence Day” or “Apocalypse Day”? As of this Monday (19/7), most of the restrictions imposed by the UK to fight the corona virus have been lifted. But the ad divided opinions.

In this effort to return to default, there will be no limits on the number of people who can attend or attend events, nightclubs may reopen and those who work from home will gradually return to the office. The use of masks is recommended in some places, but it is not a legal obligation.

On Twitter, the hashtag #FreedomDay (“Independence Day”, in Portuguese) went viral, with some users referring to the song “Freedom” by George Michael, who died in Britain in 2016.

Critics, on the other hand, argued that the singer would not be happy to pay tribute – Michael, a critic of the Conservative Party (currently in power), held free concerts for nurses, and the NHS, the country’s public health organization. , SUS British.

At this new stage the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson cautioned. Johnson has been in solitary confinement since coming in direct contact with his health secretary, whose Govt-19 test was positive.

Scientists are cautious, however. They warn that the suspension of restrictions could lead to an increase in cases. Some experts estimate that there are currently 50,000 infections a day in the UK, reaching 200,000 a day in the summer.

However, with more than 68% of adults fully vaccinated, hospital admissions and Govt-19 deaths are below previous peaks.

‘Some moment’
In a Twitter video, Johnson said it was “the right time” to go out to lock in the final stages of England’s path. “If we don’t do it now, we have to ask ourselves, when will we do it?” Said the British Prime Minister.

“But we have to do this with caution. Unfortunately we have to remember that this virus still exists. The cases are increasing and we can see a serious epidemic of delta variant (variant initially detected in India).” Johnson added that there would be “cold weather benefits” for the virus in the fall and winter.

As restrictions are relaxed in the UK, companies such as nightclubs and companies responsible for large-scale events are encouraged to ask the public to present a document – digital or printed – provided by the NHS, which helps verify that people are fully vaccinated.

The recommendation to UK residents not to travel to countries on the “amber list” that includes more than 140 countries has also been suspended.

Adults in the UK who are fully vaccinated do not have to isolate themselves for ten days after visiting these countries, except for those traveling from France to the UK, Scotland or Wales for concerns caused by the beta variant of the virus (initially detected in South Africa).

Under the British government’s tourism rules, countries were divided into green, amber and red – depending on the severity of the crisis.

Brazil is on the “red list” of countries that do not control the corona virus. The official government’s recommendation is not to travel to these countries.

The changes to the regulations in the UK from July 19 include:

– There is no limit on the number of people you can meet, but it is recommended that they meet outside as much as possible;
– People currently working from home should gradually return to their workplaces;
– Nightclubs may reopen;
Theaters and cinemas can operate at full capacity;
– Institutions and events are advised to use Covit-19 certificates to control the spread of the virus;
– It is recommended to wear a mask in crowded public places such as public transport;
– Social exclusion is not mandatory.

Increase in cases
In both countries on Saturday and Sunday, the UK registered more than 50,000 new cases, which had not been reached since mid-January.

In the first week of July, the NHS warned more than 500,000 people in the UK and Wales to isolate themselves. This warning is done through text messages or application.

For the past few months, when entering a company like bars or restaurants, the customer will do a “check-in” through the program. If you do not have this installed on your smartphone, you will need to leave a contact phone number. In this sense, if any of the participants were tested in favor of the cove, everyone was warned.

But now, with the rules relaxed, experts fear the public will simply eliminate the use or ignore public health recommendations.

Over the past week, attendance has increased as 840,000 students have had to isolate themselves.

According to government data, nearly 88% of adults in the UK have received the first dose of the Govit-19 vaccine, while 68.3% have received both doses.

In the coming days, it is expected that vaccination for children under the age of 18 will begin regularly.

Until August 16, recipients of two doses in the UK will not be required to isolate themselves after close contact with the infected person, but anyone who tests positive for Covit-19 or develops symptoms will be required to do so.

Care
In turn, scientists who first led to nationwide restrictions expressed concern about the reopening. They argue that in the UK 200,000 cases a day and 2,000 can be admitted to hospital.

In an interview with the BBC, Neil Ferguson, a professor at the School of Public Health at Imperial College University in London, said infections could increase from August to mid-September.

Labor health spokesman Jonathan Ashworth, who opposes Johnson, said the government was “irresponsible” in easing restrictions.

For her part, Layla Moran, deputy chairwoman of the Corona Virus Parliamentary Committee, said the government was “fueling the fire” by easing measures as the number of cases increased.