UK PM Boris Johnson halts easing of lockdown as coronavirus cases see resurgence

London: Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the brakes on easing UK lockdown measures, citing a resurgence of the virus across the country that needs to be stamped out. Johnson said that a planned relaxation on Saturday of the rules allowing high-risk venues such as casinos, bowling alleys and ice rinks to reopen will now be postponed for at least two weeks.

He also extended rules making face coverings compulsory in more indoor settings. “Our assessment is that we should now squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control,” Johnson said in a televised press conference.

“We cannot be complacent. I won’t stand by and allow this virus to cause more pain and more heartache in our country."