In the United Kingdom, the obligation to wear masks in indoor public facilities has been abolished, as the number of people infected with the new coronavirus is declining.
However, at supermarkets and public transportation, there are still cautious movements such as demanding that masks be worn.
In the United Kingdom, with the spread of the mutant virus Omicron strain, the number of infected people per day, which temporarily exceeded 200,000 at the beginning of this month, has been around 100,000.
In England, where London is located, the number of infected people is declining, and regulations are being gradually relaxed. The presentation of vaccination certificate has been abolished.
However, at supermarkets and other places, there are some cautious movements such as asking customers and clerk to continue wearing masks.
At the grocery store in London, many customers wore masks when they entered the store.
While some customers said that it was necessary to protect not only themselves but also the people around them, some people did not wear masks, and store owners said that they used 70% to 80%. I think the customers will understand. "
In London, masks continue to be required on municipal subways and buses.
The British government is expected to abolish post-immigration inspections for those who have been vaccinated next month, and will also abolish the obligation to isolate infected people in March, aiming for coexistence with the new corona. Is clear.
Expert "Government accepts some risk"
感染症疫学が専門で、ロンドン大学衛生熱帯医学大学院のデビッド・ヘイマン教授は、NHKの取材に対して、感染者の数などが依然として多い状況で、規制が緩和されることについて「イギリス政府はリスクを勘案し、現在のリスクは許容できると判断したとみられる。経済を望ましい状態に戻すため、一定程度のリスクを受け入れている」と述べ、コロナとの共生をめざそうとするイギリス政府の判断に理解を示しました。
またイギリスでは、人口の97％がワクチンの接種やウイルスの感染によって、新型コロナウイルスへの免疫を持っているとみられるとしたうえで「規制を緩和するためには感染が拡大した際に感知し、迅速に対応することが必要で、イギリスにはそのシステムが整っている」としています。
そしてヘイマン教授は、こうしたシステムを前提にイギリス政府は、規制を国民に強いるのではなくインフルエンザのように個人がリスクを管理する体制へと移行しようとしていると指摘しました。