Breaking News14 Jul 2021 13:48
1,200 scientists call for halt to lifting lockdown as cases hit highest since January
It comes amid a surge in new infections with the highest daily rate seen since January, when the nation was once again plunged into lockdown. More than 1,200 scientists are urging the government to halt the lifting of Covid rules in less than a week and called the move 'unethical' amid soaring cases numbers.
On July 19 a raft of coronavirus restrictions are set to be lifted including legal requirements on wearing masks and the 'rule of six' for meeting indoors.A ban on nightclubs opening is also set to be scrapped.
It comes amid a surge in new infections with the highest daily rate seen since January, when the nation was once again plunged into lockdown.
With just days to go before the relaxation of more restrictions a group of doctors and health experts wrote to medical journal The Lancet to raise their concerns over the planned changes.
People walk in the street wearing face masks
Most lockdown restrictions will end on Monday(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Signatories said in the statement that the planned relaxation 'involves recklessly exposing millions to the acute and long-term impacts of mass infection.'
The group said: "We believe this is a terrible mistake.
"This strategy is already putting intense pressure on struggling healthcare services and will lead to many avoidable deaths and long-term illness.
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"The narrative of ‘caution, vigilance and personal responsibility’ is an abdication of the government’s fundamental duty to protect public health.
"‘Personal responsibility’ does not work in the face of an airborne, highly-contagious infectious disease.
The group warned easing restrictions now was 'a mistake
"Infectious diseases are a matter of collective