Delta Variant vs Vaccine... UK Becomes a COVID Testing Ground

Complete Lifting of Lockdowns Despite Variant Spread
Vaccine-Leading Countries Focus on UK Situation

On the morning of the 19th (local time), when the UK lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions, most citizens were walking on London Bridge without wearing masks during the morning rush hour. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The UK, which was the first country in the world to start COVID-19 vaccinations, is being evaluated as a testing ground for vaccines as it fully lifted lockdown measures despite the spread of the Delta variant. From the 19th (local time), the UK lifted most quarantine measures, including the indoor mask mandate and social distancing.

Regarding this, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 21st described the UK's move as "a battle between the Delta variant and vaccines watched by the entire world." As a leading country in vaccination, the UK aims to see whether it can live a pre-pandemic life without quarantine measures amid the rapid spread of the variant virus.

Due to the spread of the Delta variant, the UK currently records around 40,000 new daily cases, competing with Indonesia for first and second place worldwide. Despite this situation, the UK government pushed ahead with lifting COVID-19 restrictions citing low hospitalization and death rates.

The Economist stated, "In a situation where most adults have been vaccinated and the Delta variant has arrived, this move will be an opportunity to gauge whether COVID-19 can be managed like an endemic disease such as the flu or if heavier measures are needed."

The UK's move differs from other countries that are increasing vaccination rates while strengthening social distancing and mask-wearing to respond to the variant virus. Leading vaccination countries such as the United States, Europe, and Israel are tightening COVID-19 restrictions while simultaneously watching the UK closely.

Professor Ran Balicer, chair of Israel's COVID-19 expert committee, told WSJ, "We will observe the UK over the coming weeks and decide how the Israeli government should respond accordingly."

The Delta variant, first identified in India in October last year, has now spread to 124 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced this on the same day and predicted, "The Delta variant will become the dominant strain worldwide within months."

According to the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID), the prevalence of the Delta variant has exceeded 75% in several countries including the UK, the US, Russia, Indonesia, South Africa, and India.

WHO stated, "In the week ending on the 18th, new global cases increased by 12% compared to the previous week, reaching 3.4 million," and added, "If this trend continues, the cumulative number of confirmed cases worldwide will exceed 200 million within the next three weeks."

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