Over 100 scientists and medics have claimed that the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions is premature, and will lead to more unnecessary deaths for the UK.
On July 5th, Boris Johnson announced that the remaining restrictions in England will be scrapped after the 19th July, as he aims to get the economy back on track. He has also cited mental health concerns within the English population as another reason for his government's decision.
Consequentially, his judgment has been heavily criticised by scientists and medical officers, and has resulted in over 100 experts signing a letter which has been sent to The Lancet, accusing ministers of being irresponsible.
Elsewhere in the UK, there is a large discrepancy between the rulings being made by Johnson's government and the other three countries:
Mark Drakeford will be making an announcement on the 15th July, with restrictions expected to still be in place, even with 72% of people having had their first vaccine, and 56% having had their second jab.
In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has proclaimed that Scotland will be moving in to "Coronavirus level zero" with all major legal restrictions being lifted on the 9th August.
As for Northern Ireland, perhaps the most stringent restrictions will still be in place for its people, with restrictions being relaxed further on the 26th July.
The confirmation of Freedom Day is still yet to be seen, but there is much hope from the English populace on social media that Boris Johnson will commit to the epidemiological resolution.
The Health Secretary Savid Javid has said that there are 'compelling' reasons to halt restrictions, although was unable to explain why this is the case. It may seem that the disagreement from politicians and health experts alike suggests that this is not a health-orientated choice, but is a result of external pressure from companies and workers to get the economy moving again. Sectors such as hospitality, the arts, and tourism have suffered immensely due to COVID-19, with over 10,000 pubs, clubs and restaurants already having closed back in January 2021 (Sky News). The government has also stated that the cultural sector (theatres, galleries, museums etc.) has suffered the most out of any during the pandemic.
It's undeniable that Freedom Day is a huge gamble for the government, with over 128,000 deaths already recorded in the UK. The British Medical Association have already highlighted the 'huge pressures being placed on an over-burdened healthcare system' (2021), maybe suggesting that Johnson will have a huge price to pay if he gets this one wrong. One thing is for sure however - England will be entering a new stage of life, as they learn to deal with COVID-19 for now and the foreseeable future.
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