The British government is reportedly divided by the debate over stricter corona rules in the fight against Omikron.
London – The debate over stricter corona rules in the fight against Omikron is reportedly dividing the UK government. Without stricter measures, according to the British expert council, there is a risk of 3000 hospital admissions per day and overloading the health system in England alone. Several members of the government, including Finance Minister Rishi Sunak, however, according to the Times (Monday), question the scientific forecasts and speak out against significantly stricter measures.
In view of the rapid expansion of the Omikron variant, it seems inevitable that it will have to be sharpened as soon as possible. But when and how is still being fought. The possible options range from recommendations to restrict contacts, upper limits for private meetings and curfew, to complete lockdown. In interviews, several ministers no longer wanted to rule out the possibility of tightening before Christmas.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson currently lacks the political and moral authority to consistently enforce measures. On the one hand, almost 100 MPs from his own party rebelled only recently after a comparatively moderate tightening, because they see the introduction of 3-G certificates for clubs and major events as an interference with British freedoms. On the other hand, Johnson has come under fire for several alleged lockdown parties on Downing Street. (dpa)
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