LONDON (Reuters) – Shops, hairdressers, gyms and pub gardens in England will reopen on Monday what Prime Minister Boris Johnson said was a “major step” towards freedom from the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of thousands of businesses have been closed since early January, when England entered a third blockade to curb rising infections caused by the “Kent” virus variant.
A vaccination campaign that has given a first shot to more than half of adults and blocking measures have reduced deaths by more than 95% and cases by more than 90% compared to the January peak.
The seven deaths on Sunday 28 days after the positive COVID test are the lowest daily number of deaths according to this measure since 14 September.
That progress would allow for a gradual reduction in the blockade, Johnson said earlier this month, adding that he was expecting a pint in a pub’s garden.
“I’m sure it will be a great relief for those business owners who have been closed for so long and for the rest, it is an opportunity to do again some of the things we love and have missed.” , he said in a statement Sunday.
“I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly and remember ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ to suppress COVID as we move forward with our vaccination program.”
With more than 127,000 deaths, the UK has the fifth highest death toll in the world for COVID-19.
Convincing people to get back to normal and start spending again is key to Britain’s recovery after last month’s official data showed that 2020 was the worst year for its economy in more than three centuries. .
British retailers, who have lost about £ 27 billion ($ 37 billion) in sales during closures, expect the accumulated demand to fuel a trade boom.
Non-essential stores, such as fashion and home chains, will reopen on Monday in Wales and England, although those in Scotland have to wait until April 26th.
Pubs and restaurants will only be able to serve outdoors from Monday, although the first rules that require eating with drinks and curds have been rejected.
Indoor service will not be allowed until May 17 at the earliest.
($ 1 = £ 0.7296)
Report by Paul Sandle. Edited by Jane Merriman