UK Prime Minister Johnson Recovered from COVID-19 Says "Too Early to Lift Lockdown Measures"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Kim] Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister who recovered from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), issued a statement on his first day back saying it is still too early to lift movement restrictions and other lockdown measures.

On the 27th (local time), Johnson made a public statement in front of 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's residence, on his first day back at work.

Johnson was the first major world leader to test positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized after his symptoms worsened.

Johnson, who was even moved to an intensive care unit, was discharged from the hospital on the 12th and stayed at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country residence, to focus on recovery.

In his statement that day, Johnson apologized to the public for being away for so long.

He also described COVID-19 as the biggest challenge the UK has faced since World War II.

Fortunately, he said the UK is improving and there are "substantial signs that we are past the peak."

However, he said it is premature to ease lockdown measures immediately. Earlier, on the 23rd of last month, Johnson announced lockdown measures including the closure of all shops except essential businesses such as supermarkets and pharmacies, a ban on gatherings of more than two people, and restrictions on movement except for essential reasons.

Johnson said, "I understand the concerns of shop owners and businesspeople, and I also know that without the economy running, we cannot secure funding for the National Health Service (NHS). However, now is not the time to ease lockdown measures." He warned that easing restrictions could risk a second wave of virus spread.

Johnson stated, "As we approach the end of the first battle, please bear with the impatience," and added, "We will only ease lockdown measures when we are confident there will be no second peak."

Johnson plans to lead the government by receiving reports on COVID-19 response from ministers and attending regular press conferences on the same day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.