Johnson Back to Downing Street amid Calls to Increase Testing, Ease Lockdown

By Staff, Agencies

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson returned to Downing Street to lead the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak amid calls to increase testing numbers and begin lifting lockdown.

According to reports, he resumed his full-time duties three weeks after he was hospitalized with Covid-19.

Senior Tories have called for the government to begin lifting the lockdown measures over concerns at the damage it is causing the economy, but scientists have warned any relaxation risks a renewed flare up with up to 100,000 people dying by the end of the year.

Ministers are also thought to be considering allowing some non-essential businesses to open such as garden centers and car showrooms, provided social-distancing could be maintained.

Johnson’s deputy, foreign secretary Dominic Raab, said the government was doing its "homework" in preparation for when the rules could be eased.

Raab also indicated that officials were looking at possible checks at air and sea ports with passengers arriving in the UK required to quarantine for 14 days.

Meanwhile, New Zealand was preparing to ease its strict lockdown rules after claiming to have “achieved our goal of elimination”.