Rishi Sunak is willing to accept a delay of up to four weeks to the final stage of England’s reopening roadmap, the Guardian understands, as the government considers extending restrictions beyond 21 June. Sunak, the chancellor, has in the past been regarded as more keen to lift lockdown constraints than some cabinet colleagues. Economic support measures including the furlough scheme are set to taper off gradually, helping to cushion the impact of any delay. One government source pointed out that many cases of the Delta variant have been among children, who are not yet being vaccinated. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said earlier this week that of 12,383 cases of the Delta variant as of 3 June, 126 were admitted to hospital.

Source: The Guardian June 08, 2021 18:25 UTC