Boris Johnson gives go ahead to England's reopening but warns citizens of spread of Indian variant

Covid vaccine campaign accelerated to deliver second doses to over-50s

A member of staff cleans a pod of the London Eye in preparation for its reopening, as coronavirus disease restrictions ease in the UK. Reuters

A diver cleans a tank at the Sea Life Centre in London in preparation for reopening, as coronavirus restrictions ease in the UK. Reuters

Members of the public queue to receive vaccinations in a pop-up vaccination bus parked at Essa Academy in the Daubhill area of Bolton, north-west England. Bloomberg

A three-metre black marlin skeleton is installed as part of the new 'Our Broken Planet' exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. The museum will reopen to the public on May 17, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. EPA

The cast of 'Amelie' rehearse before their return to the stage at the Criterion Theatre in London. Reuters

Worshippers have their temperature checked before attending prayers at the Baitul Futuh mosque in south London. Reuters

A mechanics work in the yard at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Grosmont, north England, as preparations are under way for reopening. AFP

The cast of 'Abba Mania' poses outside Waterloo Station in London. Cast members are getting ready to return to the stage on May 21, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. EPA

Women who lost their mothers to Covid-19 have lunch by the National Covid Memorial Wall in London. EPA

A housekeeping staff member makes up a bed in one of the classic suites at The Ritz London. After closing its doors in the middle of December, The Ritz is preparing to welcome guests on May 17. Getty Images

Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge, England, is set to be a popular attraction as coronavirus restrictions are eased. Reuters

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson elbow bumps with actress Helena Bonham Carter, during a service at Westminster Abbey, London, to commemorate the life of nurse Florence Nightingale and to mark the contribution of nurses to the community. AP Photo

Worshippers wear face masks while they attend Eid Al Fitr prayers at Didsbury Central mosque in Manchester. Reuters

A staff member disinfects prayer rooms, ahead of Eid Al Fitr at the Green Lane mosque in Birmingham. AP Photo

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday announced England's reopening would go ahead as planned, but expressed concern over the spread in the UK of a strain of coronavirus first detected in India.

Mr Johnson said the new variant could threaten further easing of lockdown measures set for June.

"We will proceed with our plan to move to step three in England from Monday, but I have to level with you that this new variant could pose a serious disruption to our progress and could make it more difficult to move to step four in June," he said.

As a result, Mr Johnson said England would accelerate its Covid-19  vaccination campaign to ensure that all patients over 50 receive second doses.

"It's more important than ever, therefore, that people get the additional protection of a second dose," he said.

"We will accelerate remaining second doses to the over 50s and those clinically vulnerable right across the country, so those doses come just eight weeks after the first dose."

Mr Johnson said the Indian strain could be more transmissible than the previous Kent variant – first detected south-east England in September 2020 – but said data has not shown a significant increase in hospital admissions.

From Monday, restaurants and pubs in England can offer indoor seating for groups of up to six for the first time since November.

Indoor entertainment, such as cinemas, museums and children's play areas can also open, alongside theatres and sports venues. In addition, hugging will be allowed as social distancing measures in private homes are eased.

Meanwhile, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Glasgow and Moray would remain under level three restrictions while the rest of the country would drop to level two next week.

Both areas will initially remain at level three for a week, she said, with a decision made at the end of next week.