UK Delays 'Freedom Day' by One Month Due to Delta Variant Spread

From June 21 to July 19

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The UK is postponing its lockdown lifting schedule by four weeks due to the spread of the Delta variant virus.

According to the British daily The Guardian and others, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a press conference on the 14th (local time) and announced, "The full lifting of the lockdown will be postponed to July 19."

The UK had originally planned to lift all COVID-19 related restrictions on the 21st, designated as 'Freedom Day.'

Since March, the UK has been easing lockdown measures in four stages at five-week intervals. With the current Stage 3 maintained, nightclubs remain closed and working from home is strongly recommended.

Prime Minister Johnson reiterated that July 19 is the final date for lifting the lockdown. He explained, "By July 19, two-thirds of the UK population will have completed vaccination, so there will be no need to further delay restrictions on social contact."

The UK government plans to accelerate vaccinations during this period, moving up the first dose vaccination target for all adults from the end of July to July 19. In the UK, 79.2% of the population has received at least the first dose, and 56.9% have completed the second dose.