UK Reports 50,000 New COVID Cases; Lockdown Lifted on 19th Despite Health Minister Testing Positive

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The UK plans to lift most lockdown measures as scheduled on the 19th, despite surpassing 50,000 new COVID-19 cases and the Health Secretary testing positive.

Sajid Javid, the UK Health Secretary, tested positive for COVID-19 on the 17th (local time) and is currently self-isolating, according to reports from the BBC and others.

Javid felt significant fatigue the previous night and took a rapid test that morning. He tweeted, "I tested positive, but fortunately, I have received two vaccine doses and my symptoms are mild. If you haven't been vaccinated yet, please make sure to get vaccinated."

The UK, which was the first country in the world to start vaccinations, is seeing a rapid increase in cases due to the spread of the Delta variant. The UK's new cases on this day were approximately 54,674, ranking among the highest globally alongside Brazil and Indonesia.

Despite this situation, the UK states that over 70% of its population has completed vaccination and plans to lift most COVID-19 restrictions starting from the 19th.

However, experts unanimously warn that the UK's lifting of lockdowns could pose a threat worldwide. Christina Pagel, a professor at University College London (UCL), said, "Because the UK is a global travel hub, the dominant strain in the UK will spread to other countries. The UK's policies affect everyone."

Amirkl Baker, a COVID-19 advisor to New Zealand's Ministry of Health and a professor at the University of Otago, expressed surprise at the UK's approach, stating, "The UK is not following basic public health principles."

William Haseltine, PhD, from the US think tank Access Health International (AHI), expressed concern, saying, "Other countries might imitate the UK government's approach for political convenience."

More than 1,200 UK scientists sent a letter to the international medical journal The Lancet, stating that "the government's easing of restrictions could create an optimal environment for variants resistant to vaccines to emerge."

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