Joy for UK pubs and hugs tempered by rise in virus variant
A member of staff serves a drink, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Libby Jones, right, with her colleague Shannon Maiden, both nurses from Great Ormond Street hospital who have just finished an overnight shift, have a pint of cider at the Shakespeare’s Head pub, which will be reopening for the first time to serve indoor customers since the end of the latest coronavirus lockdown, in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Passengers prepare to board a flight bound for Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, England after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions, Monday May 17, 2021. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)
The National Youth Choir of Scotland, with founder and conductor Christopher Bell meet on Calton Hill, to sing, in Edinburgh, Monday May 17, 2021. Most of Scotland moves to Level 2 restrictions enabling up to 30 people to meet outside. The choir last met and performed together in March 2020 which is when the choir last met and performed together. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, second left, with chefs Angela Hartnett, second rightand Monica Galetti, right, have tea at Dumplings Legend, in China Town, central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Conservators prepare items inside an original pharmacy shop from Hexham around 1911, reconstructed with the original fixtures and fittings, in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, second right attempts to prepare dumplings with head chef Ling Bing, during a visit to Dumplings Legend in China Town central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, centre, with chefs Angela Hartnett, right and Monica Galetti, walks in China Town central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator cleans a sculpture by Eleanor Crook called Santa Medicina, which combines medical and religious symbolism to help us reflect on the frailty of human life, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Conservators clean a display of Sri-Lankan masks ranging from 1771-1925, used in healing rituals, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator displays the vial that held the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine given to Margaret Keenan who was the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine in the UK, part of the new COVID-19 collecting project with items donated by the NHS, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. Vials, testing kits and recognisable signage from the Government’s daily briefings will form part of a new COVID-19 display in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, alongside a timeline of key objects from the history of vaccination and displays about other infectious diseases such as Ebola, polio and the Plague. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator prepares a display of Deities and Saints, displayed at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A visitor walks over the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A woman sits in a pub, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator cleans a sculpture by Eleanor Crook called Santa Medicina, which combines medical and religious symbolism to help us reflect on the frailty of human life, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
A man sits at his laptop in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Poeple sit in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Members of the public sit in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Cinema audiences watch Nomadland inside a movie theatre screen at Chapter, Cardiff, Wales as indoor hospitality and entertainment venues reopen to the public following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in Wales, Monday May 17, 2021. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)
People sit in a pub as England reopen indoors of establishments, under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
The Reverend Michael Smith moves a Covid information board in York Minster, in York, England, Monday May 17, 2021, as indoor hospitality and entertainment venues reopen to the public following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A man drinks a pint of beer in the Black Lion pub in Hammersmith in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Drinks were raised in toasts and reunited friends hugged each other as thousands of U.K. pubs and restaurants opened Monday for indoor service for the first time since early January. Yet the prime minister sounded a cautious tone, warning about a more contagious COVID-19 variant first discovered in India that threatens reopening plans. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
A member of staff serves a drink, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
A member of staff serves a drink, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Libby Jones, right, with her colleague Shannon Maiden, both nurses from Great Ormond Street hospital who have just finished an overnight shift, have a pint of cider at the Shakespeare’s Head pub, which will be reopening for the first time to serve indoor customers since the end of the latest coronavirus lockdown, in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Libby Jones, right, with her colleague Shannon Maiden, both nurses from Great Ormond Street hospital who have just finished an overnight shift, have a pint of cider at the Shakespeare’s Head pub, which will be reopening for the first time to serve indoor customers since the end of the latest coronavirus lockdown, in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Passengers prepare to board a flight bound for Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, England after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions, Monday May 17, 2021. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)
Passengers prepare to board a flight bound for Faro, Portugal, at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, England after the ban on international leisure travel for people in England was lifted following the further easing of lockdown restrictions, Monday May 17, 2021. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)
The National Youth Choir of Scotland, with founder and conductor Christopher Bell meet on Calton Hill, to sing, in Edinburgh, Monday May 17, 2021. Most of Scotland moves to Level 2 restrictions enabling up to 30 people to meet outside. The choir last met and performed together in March 2020 which is when the choir last met and performed together. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)
The National Youth Choir of Scotland, with founder and conductor Christopher Bell meet on Calton Hill, to sing, in Edinburgh, Monday May 17, 2021. Most of Scotland moves to Level 2 restrictions enabling up to 30 people to meet outside. The choir last met and performed together in March 2020 which is when the choir last met and performed together. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, second left, with chefs Angela Hartnett, second rightand Monica Galetti, right, have tea at Dumplings Legend, in China Town, central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, second left, with chefs Angela Hartnett, second rightand Monica Galetti, right, have tea at Dumplings Legend, in China Town, central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Conservators prepare items inside an original pharmacy shop from Hexham around 1911, reconstructed with the original fixtures and fittings, in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Conservators prepare items inside an original pharmacy shop from Hexham around 1911, reconstructed with the original fixtures and fittings, in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, second right attempts to prepare dumplings with head chef Ling Bing, during a visit to Dumplings Legend in China Town central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, second right attempts to prepare dumplings with head chef Ling Bing, during a visit to Dumplings Legend in China Town central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, centre, with chefs Angela Hartnett, right and Monica Galetti, walks in China Town central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, centre, with chefs Angela Hartnett, right and Monica Galetti, walks in China Town central London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator cleans a sculpture by Eleanor Crook called Santa Medicina, which combines medical and religious symbolism to help us reflect on the frailty of human life, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator cleans a sculpture by Eleanor Crook called Santa Medicina, which combines medical and religious symbolism to help us reflect on the frailty of human life, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Conservators clean a display of Sri-Lankan masks ranging from 1771-1925, used in healing rituals, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Conservators clean a display of Sri-Lankan masks ranging from 1771-1925, used in healing rituals, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator displays the vial that held the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine given to Margaret Keenan who was the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine in the UK, part of the new COVID-19 collecting project with items donated by the NHS, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. Vials, testing kits and recognisable signage from the Government’s daily briefings will form part of a new COVID-19 display in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, alongside a timeline of key objects from the history of vaccination and displays about other infectious diseases such as Ebola, polio and the Plague. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator displays the vial that held the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine given to Margaret Keenan who was the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine in the UK, part of the new COVID-19 collecting project with items donated by the NHS, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. Vials, testing kits and recognisable signage from the Government’s daily briefings will form part of a new COVID-19 display in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, alongside a timeline of key objects from the history of vaccination and displays about other infectious diseases such as Ebola, polio and the Plague. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator prepares a display of Deities and Saints, displayed at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator prepares a display of Deities and Saints, displayed at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A visitor walks over the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A visitor walks over the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A woman sits in a pub, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
A woman sits in a pub, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator cleans a sculpture by Eleanor Crook called Santa Medicina, which combines medical and religious symbolism to help us reflect on the frailty of human life, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Kate Perks, Senior Collections Care Conservator cleans a sculpture by Eleanor Crook called Santa Medicina, which combines medical and religious symbolism to help us reflect on the frailty of human life, displayed in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, at the Science Museum in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. The Science Museurm reopens to the public on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
A man sits at his laptop in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
A man sits at his laptop in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Poeple sit in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Poeple sit in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Members of the public sit in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Members of the public sit in a cafe, as pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
Cinema audiences watch Nomadland inside a movie theatre screen at Chapter, Cardiff, Wales as indoor hospitality and entertainment venues reopen to the public following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in Wales, Monday May 17, 2021. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)
Cinema audiences watch Nomadland inside a movie theatre screen at Chapter, Cardiff, Wales as indoor hospitality and entertainment venues reopen to the public following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in Wales, Monday May 17, 2021. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)
People sit in a pub as England reopen indoors of establishments, under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
People sit in a pub as England reopen indoors of establishments, under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown, in Manchester, England, Monday, May 17, 2021. Pubs and restaurants across much of the U.K. are opening for indoor service for the first time since early January even as the prime minister urged people to be cautious amid the spread of a more contagious COVID-19 variant. (AP Photo Jon Super)
The Reverend Michael Smith moves a Covid information board in York Minster, in York, England, Monday May 17, 2021, as indoor hospitality and entertainment venues reopen to the public following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
The Reverend Michael Smith moves a Covid information board in York Minster, in York, England, Monday May 17, 2021, as indoor hospitality and entertainment venues reopen to the public following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Visitors pose for photographs on the glass walkway at the Tower Bridge Visitor Attraction, in London, on the first day it was allowed to reopen as the British government relaxes its third coronavirus lockdown restrictions, Monday, May 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A man drinks a pint of beer in the Black Lion pub in Hammersmith in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Drinks were raised in toasts and reunited friends hugged each other as thousands of U.K. pubs and restaurants opened Monday for indoor service for the first time since early January. Yet the prime minister sounded a cautious tone, warning about a more contagious COVID-19 variant first discovered in India that threatens reopening plans. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
A man drinks a pint of beer in the Black Lion pub in Hammersmith in London, Monday, May 17, 2021. Drinks were raised in toasts and reunited friends hugged each other as thousands of U.K. pubs and restaurants opened Monday for indoor service for the first time since early January. Yet the prime minister sounded a cautious tone, warning about a more contagious COVID-19 variant first discovered in India that threatens reopening plans. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
LONDON (AP) — Drinks were raised in toasts and reunited friends hugged each other as thousands of U.K. pubs and restaurants opened Monday for indoor service for the first time since early January. Yet the prime minister sounded a cautious tone, warning about a more contagious COVID-19 variant that threatens reopening plans.
Theaters, leisure venues and museums were also reopening as part of the latest step in easing nationwide restrictions, raising hopes that Britain’s economy may soon start to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.
Andy Frantzeskos, a chef at Nopi, an upmarket Mediterranean restaurant in London’s Soho district, said he felt “a bit of anxiousness ... but more excitement than anything.”
“It’s been a long time coming since lockdown, so we’re all happy to be back and want to cook some good food,” he said.
The government also relaxed guidance on close personal contact — meaning people can hug friends and family they don’t live with — and lifted a ban on foreign holidays, although only 12 countries and territories are on the list of “safe” destinations that don’t require 10 days of quarantine upon return. Thousands of Britons got up early to check in for the first flights to Portugal, which is on the safe list.
But the rapid spread of a variant first discovered in India is tempering the optimism amid memories of how the U.K. variant swept the country in December, triggering England’s third national lockdown. Public health officials are urging people to continue to observe social distancing, even though the situation is different now because almost 70% of British adults have received at least one vaccine dose.
“Please, be cautious about the risks to your loved ones,’’ Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a Twitter video. “Remember that close contact such as hugging is a direct way of transmitting this disease.”
Monday’s reopening allows people in England to go out for a drink or a meal without shivering in rainy outdoor beer gardens. Rules were also being eased in Scotland and Wales, with Northern Ireland to follow next week.
The next phase in Britain’s reopening is scheduled for June 21, when remaining restrictions are set to be removed. Johnson has warned that a big surge in COVID-19 cases could scuttle those plans.
Confirmed new virus cases have risen over the past week, though they remain far below the winter’s peak. New infections averaged about 2,200 per day over the past seven days compared with nearly 70,000 a day at the peak in January. Recent deaths averaged just over 10 a day, down from 1,820 on Jan. 20.
Britain has recorded almost 128,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest figure in Europe.
Scientists say the new variant, formally known as B.1.617.2 and first found in India, is more transmissible than the U.K.’s main strain, though it is unclear by how much.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the variant from India had been found in at least 86 local areas. The largest concentration was in Bolton and Blackburn in northwest England, where health officials, backed by the army, are carrying out surge testing and surge vaccinations.
Hancock said it was “reassuring” that early data suggests existing vaccines work against the variant from India. He said most people hospitalized with the new strain had been eligible for a vaccine but had not gotten a shot.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade group UKHospitality, said almost 1 million people were returning to work on Monday, but that businesses were counting on the final step out of lockdown taking place on June 21.
“We’ve already lost 12,000 businesses,” she said. “There’s been an almost 1-in-5 contraction in restaurants in city centers, 1-in-10 restaurants lost over the whole of the country. So these are businesses clinging on by their fingertips, and they have no fuel left in the tank. If those social distancing restrictions remain, they are simply not viable.”
Ian Snowball, owner of the Showtime Bar in Huddersfield, northern England, said it was nice to be inside again, rather than facing the island nation’s unpredictable weather.
“I don’t have to have a hoodie or a coat on any more — it’s great,’’ he said. “And hopefully we don’t have to go back outside again.”
Other Britons couldn’t wait to leave altogether.
Keith and Janice Tomsett, a retired couple in their 70s, were on their way to the Portuguese island of Madeira. They booked their holiday in October “on the off-chance” it could go ahead. They had followed all the testing guidelines and were fully vaccinated.
“After 15 months of being locked up, this is unbelievably good,’' Keith Tomsett said. “It was even worth getting up at 3 o’clock this morning.”
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Jo Kearney and Pan Pylas contributed to this story from London.
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Follow more of AP’s pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine
