LONDON (AP) – New coronavirus infections in the United Kingdom have fallen dramatically, according to a major survey released just days before Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a plan to ease restrictions in the coming weeks and months.
The Office for National Statistics said in its weekly infection survey that transmission rates have fallen in the four nations that make up the UK. In England, he said that in the week to February 12, one in 115 people tested positive for COVID-19. Last week, the rate was one in 80. A similar picture emerged in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The UK, which has recorded the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in Europe at nearly 120,000, is in national lockdown. Leaders are being careful about lifting the restrictions, but hope many can be eased starting next month after an extensive vaccination campaign. Johnson is expected to announce Monday that some students will return to school on March 8.
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