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The British government rejected calls on Tuesday for more financial support for businesses and workers who would suffer financially from its decision to delay the easing of coronavirus restrictions in England by four weeks until July 19.
Although many coronavirus restrictions have been eased in recent weeks, allowing large parts of the British economy to reopen, a number of businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and leisure sectors, have been unable to do so because they have not been feasible. financial aspect. . After months of planning, these businesses were preparing to reopen on June 21, the date set by the government for a possible lifting of social distancing restrictions.
However, the recent rise in new infections as a result of the more contagious delta variant first identified in India has turned this plan on its head.
“Now is the time to ease the accelerator, because by being vigilant now we have a chance in the next four weeks to save several thousand lives by vaccinating millions more,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday when announcing the delay.
The #covid19 Dashboard updated: https://t.co/XhspoyTG79
On 14 June, 7,742 new cases and 3 deaths were reported within 28 days of testing positive across the UK.
So far 41698,429 people have received the first dose of #Serum. 2,997,779 received a second dose. pic.twitter.com/49MV9XrPFn
Following the announcement, unions joined with business leaders to urge the government to compensate those affected by the delay, particularly those working in the arts and hospitality.
Frances O’Grady, TUC general secretary, said the delay means “many workers and businesses will need more help”. She said the government should postpone asking companies to make contributions starting in July for the salary support program it has been implementing since March 2020.
The Confederation of British Industry urged the government to roll back the planned gradual reduction of tax breaks for businesses and to extend the moratorium on commercial leases to sectors most affected. She also said that a solution must be found for the international travel sector, which is under severe pressure.
“We must acknowledge the pain that businesses feel in hospitality, entertainment and live events,” said Tony Dunker, Managing Director of CBI. “At best, they operate at low power… and at worst, some are not open at all.”
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, a close ally of Johnson, appears to be signaling that no further financial assistance will be provided, saying the government’s support programs have been built on the assumption that there may be delays in the roadmap for exiting the lockdown.
Gove told Sky News that the “worst thing for business” is letting them open up again and then having to re-impose restrictions. He hoped the government would not have to delay reopening again.
“This will require an unprecedented and marked change in the progression of the disease,” he said.
— From The Associated Press, last updated at 7:10 a.m. ET
What’s happening all over Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a months-long backlog of thousands of people trying to take a driving test. 2:03
As of early Tuesday morning, Canada had reported 1403,285 confirmed cases of COVID-19, of which 16,270 are considered active. CBC News’ death toll has reached 25,944. More than 29.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far across the country, according to the CBC Vaccine Tracker.
In Atlantic Canada on Monday, health officials reported 13 new cases of COVID-19, including:
- Eight new cases in Nova ScotiaWhich moves to the next phase of its reopening plan on Wednesday.
- Four new cases in Newfoundland and Labrador, where officials announced Monday that 71 percent of the eligible population had received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- One new case in new bronze, which is still just short of its goal of giving the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to 75 percent of its eligible population.
No new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Prince Edward Island, which had only four active cases as of Monday.
at Quebec, as major cities saw more restrictions lifted on Monday, health officials reported one additional death and 123 new cases of COVID-19.
OntarioMeanwhile, four additional deaths and 447 new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Monday.
In the prairie counties on Monday, Manitoba It reported two additional deaths and 124 new cases of COVID-19, while Saskatchewan It saw one additional death and 55 new cases. Health officials in Alberta It reported one death and 115 new cases.
Across the North, there were no new cases of COVID-19 reported on Monday in Nunavut or the Northwest Territories, Health officials announced an outbreak at the school that has been linked to more than 70 cases.
at YukonDr. Catherine Elliott, Acting Medical Officer for Health, reported an additional coronavirus death, the third fatality the region has seen since the start of the pandemic.
“A resident of Whitehorse was linked to a previous case and was not vaccinated,” A said. statement statement Death and other cases in both residents and non-residents.
at British ColumbiaHealth restrictions on indoor gatherings, group activities and travel within British Columbia will be eased on Tuesday. Prime Minister John Horgan said COVID-19 vaccination rates are on the rise and the number of cases is declining. On Monday, the county reported four additional deaths and 277 new cases since Friday.
— From CBC News and The Canadian Press, last updated at 7:05 a.m. ET
What is happening around the world
As of early Tuesday morning, more than 176.2 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, according to the coronavirus tracker. The world’s reported death toll has reached more than 3.8 million, according to Johns Hopkins University database.
at EuropeGermany’s health minister said the country has issued nearly five million vaccination certificates designed to be part of the EU-wide digital traffic system. Germany launched the certification offering late last week. Users can download proof of coronavirus vaccination status on the smartphone app.
In the Asia Pacific India on Tuesday recorded 60,471 new COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, the lowest level since March 31.
Africa On Monday, the World Health Organization’s chief adviser said the G7 would get priority treatment for 870 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In the Middle east, Israel no longer needs masks indoors, and one of the last lifted its restrictions against the coronavirus after a very successful vaccination campaign. Restrictions were lifted on Tuesday, although people will still be required to wear masks on planes and on their way to quarantine. Non-vaccinated individuals should wear masks in nursing homes and other long-term health facilities.
Israel has vaccinated about 85 percent of its adult population, allowing schools and businesses to fully reopen. There are only a few dozen active patients in the country of over nine million people.
In the AmericasChilean health authorities said they will extend the state of emergency for COVID-19 until September to allow the government to impose restrictions.
Anvisa, Brazil’s health regulator, has extended the shelf life of Johnson & Johnson’s monovalent vaccine, extending its shelf life from three months to 4.5 months.
–From Reuters and The Associated Press, last updated at 7 a.m. ET
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