Indoor Dining at Restaurants and Bars Allowed from the 17th
Experts Warn "Delta Variant May Spread" Concerns
On the 15th, as part of an experiment by the UK government, spectators entering the FA Cup final are enjoying the match without social distancing or masks. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] As the COVID-19 vaccination rate for at least one dose surpasses 50%, the UK is actively implementing 'lockdown easing' measures. However, concerns are rising that the spread of the variant virus originating from India could disrupt these easing efforts.
On the 15th (local time), according to BBC and Sky News, a running event was held at Kempton Park on the outskirts of London as part of the UK government's experiment to study how to safely hold large-scale events during the COVID-19 era. Approximately 2,000 people participated without wearing masks.
One group ran without social distancing, while another group started in pairs at 3-second intervals to maintain distancing. About 30 cameras were deployed to record participants' movements and interactions. All participants underwent rapid tests the day before and PCR tests on the morning of the event. Another PCR test is scheduled for this Thursday.
Additionally, the England Football Association (FA) Cup semi-finals and the Brit Awards ceremony were held as part of the government experiment, and nightclubs that had been closed for over a year reopened. The 2020-2021 FA Cup final held at Wembley Stadium in London was the largest event in this experiment, with 21,000 spectators watching without masks. These attendees also entered after testing negative on rapid COVID-19 tests.
On the nights of the 30th and 31st of this month, club parties will be held in a warehouse in Liverpool. Each party will have about 3,000 participants, totaling 6,000 people in the experiment. Those who test negative on rapid tests can attend without wearing masks or practicing social distancing. Experts plan to observe whether indoor crowd dancing increases infection rates through this experiment.
However, as warnings about the Indian variant virus grow louder, concerns are being raised about the additional easing of lockdown measures starting on the 17th, including the reopening of indoor dining at restaurants and pubs and allowing indoor gatherings.
On the 15th (local time), BBC and Sky News reported that the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), which advises the UK government on COVID-19 response, stated that the infectiousness of the Indian variant virus could be 50% higher than the UK variant found in the Kent region. Sage also warned that easing lockdown measures could "significantly increase hospitalizations."
The British Medical Association (BMA) also urged caution, stating, "A significant portion of socially active young people have not yet been vaccinated," and called for careful consideration of easing lockdowns, with brakes applied if necessary.
Meanwhile, the UK government is accelerating the normalization of daily life as more than half of the population has completed the first vaccination dose. Following the reopening of non-essential shops in April, indoor operations of pubs and restaurants will be allowed starting the 17th. On June 21, nightclubs and other venues will be permitted to operate, and all restrictions on social contact will be lifted.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated on the 14th, "Although the June plan to lift all quarantine guidelines may be disrupted by the variant virus, the measures scheduled for the 17th will proceed as planned."
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