London: Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Britain has reached the moment of maximum risk in the coronavirus outbreak, arguing that lifting the nationwide lockdown too soon would allow a second spike of infections.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on his first day back at work after three weeks off sick with the virus, Johnson said the country was beginning to turn the tide.
Johnson’s Conservative government is under mounting pressure to set out a blueprint for easing the lockdown that has hobbled business activity and daily life since March 23. The restrictions are due to last until at least May 7.
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Johnson said that he understood people and businesses were eager to get back to work, but I ask you to contain your impatience because I believe that we are coming to the end of the first phase of this conflict and despite all the suffering we have so nearly succeeded.
Johnson spent a week in St. Thomas’ Hospital in London including three nights in intensive care. When he was discharged on April 13, Johnson thanked medics at the hospital for saving his life. He has been recovering for the past two weeks at his Chequers country retreat.
(AP)
