UK Eases COVID-19 Restrictions... Outdoor Gatherings of Up to 6 People Allowed

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom [Photo by AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunbyeol Kim] As the number of people receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK surpassed 30 million, from the 29th (local time), outdoor gatherings of up to six people and outdoor sports such as tennis, golf, and swimming were permitted.

According to British media including the BBC and The Times, the COVID-19 restriction called 'Stay at Home' ended in the England region, and instead, the slogan 'Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air' was introduced.

England began its third lockdown on January 5 and announced a roadmap for easing restrictions in late February. Accordingly, schools reopened from March 8, and additional restrictions were lifted this time. On the 12th of next month, shops such as hair salons and outdoor seating at restaurants and pubs are expected to resume operations.

Earlier this year, the UK saw nearly 70,000 new daily cases, but due to lockdowns and vaccine effects, the number dropped to 3,862 the day before.

However, the government urged caution as cases are surging in Europe and firmly rejected any situation where COVID-19 social distancing rules are violated. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that variant COVID-19 strains still threaten vaccine rollout and called for vigilance.

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