LONDON (WNI) — The rapid fall in cases across Britain has given new hope that coronavirus restrictions could be completely lifted earlier than planned.
PM Boris Johnson speaking today in the House of Commons confirmed that if the current trend was maintained, then all domestic restrictions in England including legal requirements to self-isolate after catching coronavirus could be lifted.
Currently, the restrictions are set to end on 24th March, however, the steady decline in cases and new infections has given more room for the government to potentially speed up removing restrictions. Devolved administrations are likely to follow suit as pressure on the NHS begins to fall.
With the economic impact of Covid being felt across England and the rest of the UK, the reduction in daily cases and a move towards ending pandemic restrictions could provide a boost to businesses and consumers. With restrictions lifted, UK tourism is expected to rebound later this year.
However despite the potential of removing restrictions early, high inflation, increasing fuel prices and a new round of tax hikes are expected to dent consumer demand. With household energy bills set to rise over 50%, the British government recently announced a package of measures to address the growing cost of living crisis.
