The UK is hoping vaccines will be effective against the India COVID-19 variant with the country less than a month away from deciding if a fourth phase of lockdown restrictions easing should be pursued.
Vaccine Efficacy Could Play Key Role
British health minister Matt Hancock said a decision would be made June 14 and the government will accelerate vaccinations across the country.
The efficacy of coronavirus vaccines against a fast-spreading COVID-19 variant first detected in India will be at the center of the decision.
Hancock said "new, very early data out from Oxford University" indicated available vaccines were effective against the India variant. While the information has raised hopes for the UK's fight against the variant, Hancock said the data "is from the labs; it's not clinical data."
India Variant Could Push Back Reopening
The UK's fourth phase of restrictions has been scheduled for lifting June 21.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said late last week it was best to "trust" vaccines while also monitoring the situation "because the race between our vaccination program and the virus may be about to become a great deal tighter."
Scientists have encouraged the government to consider delaying reopening and fast-tracking vaccinations.
England's chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, said earlier the India variant could spread faster than other strains. As of Thursday, England has recorded 1,313 confirmed cases of the India variant in just a week.
Third Phase Of Easing Kicks Off
Several parts of Scotland, Wales and England have started the third phase of easing restrictions.
In England, residents are now allowed to meet indoors - with a maximum of six people at a time. Overnight stays have been permitted. Outdoors, groups of up to 30 people are allowed.
Hotels, children's playgrounds, concert halls, museums, sports stadiums, cinemas and theaters are reopening, too.
In Wales, indoor dining and drinking will be allowed in restaurants and pubs. Theaters, museums, cinemas, galleries and bowling alleys will also reopen. However, there has been no change announced for indoor socializing.
In Scotland, bingo facilities, theaters and cinemas will be allowed to reopen for 100 people at a time. Restaurants and pubs can serve alcohol until 10:30 p.m.
The UK has reported more than 4.45 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 128,000 deaths.
