Confusion persists as England follows its own path by relaxing blocking rules

The relaxation of blocking restrictions specific to England comes into play from today, causing huge disparities with the rest of the UK.

The government encourages people in England who cannot work from home to return to work, but to avoid public transport. Masks have also been recommended in public places.

The government has faced criticism that those in the lowest paid jobs should be the most exposed. The Labor opposition party said the new guidelines were confusing. Police chiefs noted that advice to people to avoid public transportation is "irrelevant".

The advice to stay at home continues in the rest of the United Kingdom: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Scottish Prime Minister Nicola sturgeon

He said that the coronavirus is "in retreat", but that the "risk was still too great" to consider reducing the blockade further. She said that despite the recent decline in the death toll and ICU admissions, the progress made by Scotland was still timid and a premature loosening of restrictions could allow the situation to resume.

The central government of the UK has also announced a UK-wide extension of aid to workers on leave due to the pandemic. Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak

He said 7.5 million jobs had already been supported by the program, in which employees can receive up to 80% of their salary up to a maximum of £ 2,500 per month . The Treasury said that nearly a million companies have sought government help to keep jobs, claiming more than £ 10 billion.

Sunak told UK MEPs that there would be "no change" until the end of July, but "more flexibility" from August, including the possibility of bringing back part-time workers.

Businesses would also be asked to share the cost of wage support to maintain current levels of aid.

Sunak's statement came after speculation that the program would be phased out.

The expert group at the London-based Institute for Fiscal Studies said that extending the plan in its full form for the entire month of July would cost £ 10 billion, bearing the total cost at around £ 60 billion since its launch in March.