Covid-19 has not “magically disappeared”, the chief executive of NHS Confederation, which represents hospitals, said today, adding that Boris Johnson’s decision to ease restrictions “doesn’t mean a return to normality is inevitable”.
Matthew Taylor’s comments came after the PM told the Commons earlier that plan B will be lifted at midnight on Wednesday evening next week, removing all requirements for Covid passes in sports and entertainment events and face coverings in public places.
Despite this, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has said face masks will remain compulsory on the Transport for London (TfL) network. He also urged Mr Johnson to rethink plans to lift mask rules for public transport and shops next week in all UK cities, saying the virus remained a threat.
“If we have learnt anything from this pandemic, it is that we must not get complacent and undo all our hard work and sacrifices,” Mr Khan said. “I’m asking everyone in our capital to do the right thing and continue to wear a face covering when travelling on TfL services to keep us all protected and to prevent further restrictions.”
