More people will have been vaccinated the longer restrictions are delayed but other factors could help the virus spread if the lifting comes laterScientists advising the government have warned that even in three weeks they might not be able to say with confidence whether lockdown restrictions can be lifted without the NHS being overwhelmed. However, in a boost for Boris Johnson’s pledge that July 19 could be viewed as a “terminus date” for social distancing, they also cautioned that delaying the lifting of lockdown too long could backfire and push a third wave of infections into the autumn and winter, seasons that may better suit the virus as people gather more indoors, schools restart and as other respiratory viruses such as influenza circulate. SponsoredTory MPs have voiced scepticism that the July 19 date will prove to be the end. Mark Harper, chairman of the Covid Recovery

Source: The Times June 15, 2021 16:02 UTC