London, October 19 (BNA) Life has returned to normal for millions in Britain since the lifting of coronavirus restrictions during the summer. But while the rules are gone, the virus is not over, according to the Associated Press.
Many scientists are now calling for the government to reimpose social restrictions and speed up booster vaccinations as coronavirus infection rates continue to rise, already the highest in Europe.
The United Kingdom recorded 43,738 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, down slightly from the 49,156 cases reported on Monday, and the largest number since mid-July. New infections have averaged more than 44,000 per day over the past week, an increase of 16% from the previous week.
Last week, the Office for National Statistics estimated that one in every 60 people in England has the virus, one of the highest levels seen in Britain during the pandemic.
In July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government lifted all legal restrictions that had been in place more than a year ago to slow the spread of the virus, including face coverings indoors and social distancing rules.
Some designers fear a spike in cases after opening up. It hasn’t, but the infection has remained high, and has recently started to increase – especially among children, who remain largely unimmunized.
The number of hospitalizations and deaths, averaging 130 per day over the past week, has also risen, with 223 cases reported on Tuesday alone. Government critics say this is much lower than it was when cases were so high, before much of the population was vaccinated, but it is still very high. Britain has recorded more than 138,000 deaths from the Corona virus, the highest rate in Europe after Russia.
Against this backdrop, some feel that the British are quick to return to pre-pandemic behaviour. Masks and social distancing have disappeared in most places in England, including schools, although Scotland and other parts of the UK remain stricter.
Even in shops, where the use of masks is recommended, and in the London transport network, where it is mandatory, adherence to them is patchy.
The Conservative government has dropped a plan to require proof of vaccination to attend nightclubs, concerts and other mass events in England amid opposition from lawmakers, even though Scotland introduced a vaccine permit program this month.
Some scientists say the biggest factor is diminished immunity. The British vaccination program got off to a fast start, with vaccinations given to the elderly and vulnerable starting in December 2020, and so far nearly 80% of eligible people have received two doses.
Early onset means millions of people are vaccinated for more than six months, and studies show that the protection of vaccines gradually diminishes over time.
Millions of people are being given booster doses in Britain, but critics say the program is moving too slowly, at around 180,000 doses a day. More than half of people eligible for a booster dose have not yet received one.
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