UK set to announce roadmap to ease lockdown as another 539 COVID-19 patients die
Two men spar on Primrose Hill in London on May 7, 2020, as life continues in Britain under a nationwise lockdown to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce a roadmap to ease the current lockdown measures as another 539 COVID-19 patients have died, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Thursday.
Chairing the Downing Street daily press briefing, Raab told reporters that any changes next week on lockdown measures will be based on what the evidences says and will be "modest, small, incremental and very carefully monitored."
The government must have the option of reversing any changes if necessary, Raab said.
Raab said the existing measures remain in place for the bank holiday weekend to limit the spread of COVID-19.
"For the moment it is really important, particularly as people look towards a warm bank holiday weekend, that we continue to follow the guidance in place at this time," he said.
All the data available showed the importance of social distancing, said the foreign secretary, adding that it will be essential to maintain that in coming weeks.
Another 539 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 30,615, Raab said.
The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community.
