As the British government continues to encourage people to report to the office while lifting pandemic restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "people are more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas" when they are around other people.

The prime minister said working from home meant an "awful lot of time" is wasted "making another cup of coffee" and "hacking off a small piece of cheese".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/free-up-billions-for-tax-cuts-johnson-orders-to-slash-one-fifth-civil-service-jobs-478509">Also Read: Johnson orders to slash one-fifth of civil service jobs</a>

The British prime minister said people need to "get back into the habit of getting into the office" although he admitted that "lots of people disagree with me".

The British government had imposed lockdown measures during the pandemic including provisions to work from home, however, it lifted all restrictions last year.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;PM Boris Johnson loses Tory 'Crown Jewels'

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The prime minister has been implicated in the party gate scandal after he was pictured with wine and cheese at a&nbsp;Downing Steet garden in May 2020 during the peak of lockdown.

Reports claimed Johnson's staff in June 2020 attended the prime minister's birthday party at Downing Street when social gatherings were restricted.

Britain is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 22 million COVID-19 cases and 177,900 fatalities since the pandemic began in March 2020.

According to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, over 444,908 people were infected with the virus in the 28 day period.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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As the British government continues to encourage people to report to the office while lifting pandemic restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "people are more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas" when they are around other people.

As the British government continues to encourage people to report to the office while lifting pandemic restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "people are more productive, more energetic, more full of ideas" when they are around other people. The prime minister said working from home meant an "awful lot of time" is wasted "making another cup of coffee" and "hacking off a small piece of cheese". Also Read: Johnson orders to slash one-fifth of civil service jobs The British prime minister said people need to "get back into the habit of getting into the office" although he admitted that "lots of people disagree with me". The British government had imposed lockdown measures during the pandemic including provisions to work from home, however, it lifted all restrictions last year. Watch: PM Boris Johnson loses Tory 'Crown Jewels' The prime minister has been implicated in the party gate scandal after he was pictured with wine and cheese at a Downing Steet garden in May 2020 during the peak of lockdown. Reports claimed Johnson's staff in June 2020 attended the prime minister's birthday party at Downing Street when social gatherings were restricted. Britain is one of the worst-hit countries due to the virus with over 22 million COVID-19 cases and 177,900 fatalities since the pandemic began in March 2020. According to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, over 444,908 people were infected with the virus in the 28 day period. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Johnson's WFH experience: 'Lot of time' wasted on coffee & cheese

UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in its report suggested that booster shots need to be administered in the country with the winter approaching.

In its report, the JCVI said "social mixing and social contact return towards pre-pandemic norms, it is expected that winter 2021 to 2022 will be the first winter in the UK when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-raises-euro-2020-monitoring-issue-amid-virus-surge-in-europe-395144">SARS-CoV2 </a>will co-circulate alongside other respiratory viruses."

Watch:

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"In the view of the JCVI, the primary objective of a 2021 COVID-19 booster programme is to reduce the occurrence of serious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-cases-in-europe-up-again-after-10-weeks-of-decline-says-who-395122">COVID-19</a> disease," it added while saying that the timing and magnitude of potential influenza and virus waves later in the year&nbsp;is still unknown.

The JVI advised the government that it should carry out the booster programme in September. The UK has given one shot of the vaccine to at least 85 per cent of the population with over 60 per cent having&nbsp;received&nbsp;both jabs.

The Boris Johnson government hasn't made its decision yet on the booster shots, although reports say it could be undertaken on a precautionary basis.

The JVI report said the booster doses should be taken in two stages. In the first stage, the booster vaccine and the yearly influenza vaccine should be administered as soon as possible from September and in the second stage, all adults over 50 should be given the vaccine including those between 16 to 49 years who are an influenza or coronavirus risk.

"The UK has placed orders for a range of other COVID-19 vaccines, some of which may become available for use in a booster programme," the report added.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to lift lockdown restrictions on July 19 after deferring it for four weeks due to a surge in cases with the Delta variant spreading rapidly in the country.

Newly appointed health minister Sajid Javid while preparing the country for the new approach, said: "We need to learn to live with this virus. Our first COVID-19 vaccination programme is restoring freedom in this country, and our booster programme will protect this freedom."

The JCVI in its report&nbsp;asserted that all adults aged 70 years or over should be given the booster shots as part of the first phase including adults aged 16 years and over, and also health workers.

Britain has been under lockdown for several months with millions staying at home although the Johnson government had begun reopening various sectors last month but stopped short of removing all restrictions due to a surge in cases in June.

UK is one of the worst affected countries&nbsp;in the world due to the virus with over 4.8 million coronavirus cases and&nbsp; 128,404 fatalities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in its report suggested that booster shots need to be administered in the country with the winter approaching.

UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in its report suggested that booster shots need to be administered in the country with the winter approaching. In its report, the JCVI said "social mixing and social contact return towards pre-pandemic norms, it is expected that winter 2021 to 2022 will be the first winter in the UK when SARS-CoV2 will co-circulate alongside other respiratory viruses." Watch: "In the view of the JCVI, the primary objective of a 2021 COVID-19 booster programme is to reduce the occurrence of serious COVID-19 disease," it added while saying that the timing and magnitude of potential influenza and virus waves later in the year is still unknown. The JVI advised the government that it should carry out the booster programme in September. The UK has given one shot of the vaccine to at least 85 per cent of the population with over 60 per cent having received both jabs. The Boris Johnson government hasn't made its decision yet on the booster shots, although reports say it could be undertaken on a precautionary basis. The JVI report said the booster doses should be taken in two stages. In the first stage, the booster vaccine and the yearly influenza vaccine should be administered as soon as possible from September and in the second stage, all adults over 50 should be given the vaccine including those between 16 to 49 years who are an influenza or coronavirus risk. "The UK has placed orders for a range of other COVID-19 vaccines, some of which may become available for use in a booster programme," the report added. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to lift lockdown restrictions on July 19 after deferring it for four weeks due to a surge in cases with the Delta variant spreading rapidly in the country. Newly appointed health minister Sajid Javid while preparing the country for the new approach, said: "We need to learn to live with this virus. Our first COVID-19 vaccination programme is restoring freedom in this country, and our booster programme will protect this freedom." The JCVI in its report asserted that all adults aged 70 years or over should be given the booster shots as part of the first phase including adults aged 16 years and over, and also health workers. Britain has been under lockdown for several months with millions staying at home although the Johnson government had begun reopening various sectors last month but stopped short of removing all restrictions due to a surge in cases in June. UK is one of the worst affected countries in the world due to the virus with over 4.8 million coronavirus cases and 128,404 fatalities. (With inputs from Agencies)

UK's vaccine body recommends virus booster shots from September; government set to decide

After months of lockdown over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-says-pandemic-exposed-undeniable-effects-of-racism-in-us-385518">virus</a>, pubs, restaurants and cafes reopened in England, Wales and parts&nbsp;of Scotland with cinema halls, theatres and sports venues set to open.

Watch:

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Together we have reached another milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution," as UK authorities allowed hugs among people allowed for the first time and people allowed to meet inside houses with some restrictions.

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Today we move forward to Step 3 of our cautious roadmap to freedom. 
 
This is what you need to know ↓ <a href="https://t.co/mrAW6YYDRO">pic.twitter.com/mrAW6YYDRO</a>
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"Today we move forward to Step 3 of our cautious roadmap to freedom," the British prime minister said on Monday.

PM Johnson informed that 20 million people across the United Kingdom had received two doses of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-urged-to-donate-emergency-supplies-to-vaccine-sharing-scheme-385507">vaccine</a> ensuring "maximum protection against COVID-19."

According to the new guidelines, schools, colleges and universities will fully open with 30 people allowed to meet outdoors.

Retail and personal care shops will be allowed to open along with holiday accommodation along with places of worship with a group of six people allowed.

The UK government has imposed three lockdowns in the past year as the virus took hold in the country. In December after the discovery of the UK variant new stringent rules were put in force.

UK has been one of the worst-hit countries hit by the virus with 127,679 deaths and over 4.4 million cases.

England has put forth June 21 as the deadline for lifting the coronavirus rules, however, Johnson ruled that "We are keeping the spread of the variant first identified in India under close observation and taking swift action where infection rates are rising."

UK health secretary Matt Hancock&nbsp;had said earlier that the government could&nbsp;"stay on course" due to a "high degree of confidence" that vaccines would be able to fight the new strains.

Hancock's statement comes as the government data said the number of variants found in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-281386-lakh-new-covid-19-cases-lowest-rise-after-26-days-385525">India</a>&nbsp;has risen from 520 to 1,313 last week. Johnson had earlier said that vaccines would be accelerated for over-50s.

After months of lockdown over the virus, pubs, restaurants and cafes reopened in England, Wales and parts of Scotland with cinema halls, theatres and sports venues set to open.

After months of lockdown over the virus, pubs, restaurants and cafes reopened in England, Wales and parts of Scotland with cinema halls, theatres and sports venues set to open. Watch: Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Together we have reached another milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution," as UK authorities allowed hugs among people allowed for the first time and people allowed to meet inside houses with some restrictions. Today we move forward to Step 3 of our cautious roadmap to freedom. This is what you need to know ↓ pic.twitter.com/mrAW6YYDRO — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 17, 2021 × "Today we move forward to Step 3 of our cautious roadmap to freedom," the British prime minister said on Monday. PM Johnson informed that 20 million people across the United Kingdom had received two doses of the vaccine ensuring "maximum protection against COVID-19." According to the new guidelines, schools, colleges and universities will fully open with 30 people allowed to meet outdoors. Retail and personal care shops will be allowed to open along with holiday accommodation along with places of worship with a group of six people allowed. The UK government has imposed three lockdowns in the past year as the virus took hold in the country. In December after the discovery of the UK variant new stringent rules were put in force. UK has been one of the worst-hit countries hit by the virus with 127,679 deaths and over 4.4 million cases. England has put forth June 21 as the deadline for lifting the coronavirus rules, however, Johnson ruled that "We are keeping the spread of the variant first identified in India under close observation and taking swift action where infection rates are rising." UK health secretary Matt Hancock had said earlier that the government could "stay on course" due to a "high degree of confidence" that vaccines would be able to fight the new strains. Hancock's statement comes as the government data said the number of variants found in India has risen from 520 to 1,313 last week. Johnson had earlier said that vaccines would be accelerated for over-50s.

UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes

As the UK battles the virus, PM Boris Johnson urged citizens to get vaccinated while directing them not to be complacent as the prime minister announced plans to relax restrictions&nbsp;as he&nbsp;unveiled&nbsp;a roadmap to gradually <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-johnson-starts-testing-its-covid-vaccine-on-teens-375156">reopen</a>&nbsp;England from April 12.

Watch:

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"We have seen how the story goes, we still don't know the vaccine shield will be," the British PM said, adding,"Please get your vaccine when your turn comes."

Johnson while asserting a cautious approach said: "We set out our roadmap and we are sticking to it. We see nothing in the present data that we have to deviate from the current plan."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-announce-new-rules-to-restart-international-travel-375522">United Kingdom</a> had set a tentative date of May 17 to relaunch foreign travel programme after being on a strict lockdown for most parts of the year.

Johnson said the public's patience is "paying off" and England can now move to step two of the roadmap out of lockdown on April 12 while encouraging the public to take tests from local test sites.

From April 12, non-essential shops and close-contact services such as hairdressers and barbers can reopen, and restaurants and pubs can start serving customers outdoors.

Gyms and spas can also reopen, including zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres. However, outdoor gatherings will still be limited to six people or two households and socialising is still not allowed with people who don't live together.&nbsp;

According to the new rule, weddings can be attended by up to 15 people and members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation.

Children can also attend indoor children's activity, including sports. The government has however asked people to work from home whenever required and minimise domestic travel. International holidays is still deemed illegal.

"A great deal depends on the success of the vaccine, if things continue to go well, for many people in many ways might get some semblance of normality," Johnson said, adding,"But we still need a lot of data. We need to make sure we get through stage 2 right, get through the 12 openings and then June 21, we finally open up that we couldn't last year we got to be very cautious."

As the UK battles the virus, PM Boris Johnson urged citizens to get vaccinated while directing them not to be complacent as the prime minister announced plans to relax restrictions as he unveiled a roadmap to gradually reopen England from April 12.

As the UK battles the virus, PM Boris Johnson urged citizens to get vaccinated while directing them not to be complacent as the prime minister announced plans to relax restrictions as he unveiled a roadmap to gradually reopen England from April 12. Watch: "We have seen how the story goes, we still don't know the vaccine shield will be," the British PM said, adding,"Please get your vaccine when your turn comes." Johnson while asserting a cautious approach said: "We set out our roadmap and we are sticking to it. We see nothing in the present data that we have to deviate from the current plan." The United Kingdom had set a tentative date of May 17 to relaunch foreign travel programme after being on a strict lockdown for most parts of the year. Johnson said the public's patience is "paying off" and England can now move to step two of the roadmap out of lockdown on April 12 while encouraging the public to take tests from local test sites. From April 12, non-essential shops and close-contact services such as hairdressers and barbers can reopen, and restaurants and pubs can start serving customers outdoors. Gyms and spas can also reopen, including zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres. However, outdoor gatherings will still be limited to six people or two households and socialising is still not allowed with people who don't live together. According to the new rule, weddings can be attended by up to 15 people and members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation. Children can also attend indoor children's activity, including sports. The government has however asked people to work from home whenever required and minimise domestic travel. International holidays is still deemed illegal. "A great deal depends on the success of the vaccine, if things continue to go well, for many people in many ways might get some semblance of normality," Johnson said, adding,"But we still need a lot of data. We need to make sure we get through stage 2 right, get through the 12 openings and then June 21, we finally open up that we couldn't last year we got to be very cautious."

PM Boris Johnson announces plans to reopen shops, pubs in England from April 12

After spending much of the winter in a tight lockdown, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-britain-aims-to-vaccinate-all-adults-by-july-end-365154">British</a> PM Boris Johnson is all set to announce a roadmap to ease lockdown measures in Parliament.

Watch:

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The "roadmap" falls under Johnson's accelerated plan to "cautiously" &nbsp;reopen the economy of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-reiterates-us-concerns-and-criticism-over-who-covid-19-mission-to-china-363563"> United Kingdom</a>.

The restrictions will be eased step-by-step across the whole of England at the same time. The first step of the roadmap will begin on March 8 which has been earmarked as the date when all pupils will be returning to classrooms with this, it will become the first section of society to reopen.

UK is the worst-hit country in Europe with over&nbsp;4.1 million coronavirus cases and 120, 810 deaths.

Indoor home care centres are also set to resume, including allowing residents to hold hands with visitors. The rules will also allow socialising in public space. After the Easter holidays, the second part of the first reopening phase will get kickstarted with focus on outdoor gatherings, families will be given more flexibility to meet outside with numbers to be capped at six.

The Johnson government also plans to reopen all outdoor sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts and golf course. The government has said it hopes to vaccinate all adults over the age of 50 by April 15.&nbsp;

The second phase of the reopening process will begin mid-April. The second phase will allow the reopening of some hospitality in limited circumstances which could include serving outdoors only.

Non-essential retail is expected to reopen in April with universities and colleges to be given green light to reopen campuses. In the middle of May, the third phase of the roadmap will start with pubs and restaurants likely open shutters indoors with curbs on a number of people. In this phase, it is also most likely to be the time that hairdressers and beauticians will be allowed reopen their shops though there may be further restrictions on very close contact treatments.

The families might also get permission to travel for short trips within the UK boundaries and from June indoor social gathering might be allowed with further relaxation of social contact.

Health secretary, Matt Hancock has said he is optimistic about summer holidays being permitted in the UK. From June the tourism sector could reopen. The authorities have ensured that the gradual reopening process will go hand in hand with the number of coronavirus cases and the simultaneous inoculation drive.

The Johnson government has laid emphasis on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and the successful continuation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-vows-to-share-vaccines-with-poor-nations-as-g-7-meets-364793">vaccine</a> deployment program.

The NHS has said that they will need to ensure that assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new "variants of concern". A blueprint would seek to balance the health needs with the social and economic impacts of lockdown.

The number of new confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths have been declining in February but remain high&nbsp;and the Johnson government says his reopening roadmap will follow “data, not dates".

After spending much of the winter in a tight lockdown, British PM Boris Johnson is all set to announce a roadmap to ease lockdown measures in Parliament. Watch: The "roadmap" falls under Johnson's accelerated plan to "cautiously" reopen the economy of the United Kingdom.

After spending much of the winter in a tight lockdown, British PM Boris Johnson is all set to announce a roadmap to ease lockdown measures in Parliament. Watch: The "roadmap" falls under Johnson's accelerated plan to "cautiously" reopen the economy of the United Kingdom. The restrictions will be eased step-by-step across the whole of England at the same time. The first step of the roadmap will begin on March 8 which has been earmarked as the date when all pupils will be returning to classrooms with this, it will become the first section of society to reopen. UK is the worst-hit country in Europe with over 4.1 million coronavirus cases and 120, 810 deaths. Indoor home care centres are also set to resume, including allowing residents to hold hands with visitors. The rules will also allow socialising in public space. After the Easter holidays, the second part of the first reopening phase will get kickstarted with focus on outdoor gatherings, families will be given more flexibility to meet outside with numbers to be capped at six. The Johnson government also plans to reopen all outdoor sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts and golf course. The government has said it hopes to vaccinate all adults over the age of 50 by April 15. The second phase of the reopening process will begin mid-April. The second phase will allow the reopening of some hospitality in limited circumstances which could include serving outdoors only. Non-essential retail is expected to reopen in April with universities and colleges to be given green light to reopen campuses. In the middle of May, the third phase of the roadmap will start with pubs and restaurants likely open shutters indoors with curbs on a number of people. In this phase, it is also most likely to be the time that hairdressers and beauticians will be allowed reopen their shops though there may be further restrictions on very close contact treatments. The families might also get permission to travel for short trips within the UK boundaries and from June indoor social gathering might be allowed with further relaxation of social contact. Health secretary, Matt Hancock has said he is optimistic about summer holidays being permitted in the UK. From June the tourism sector could reopen. The authorities have ensured that the gradual reopening process will go hand in hand with the number of coronavirus cases and the simultaneous inoculation drive. The Johnson government has laid emphasis on reducing hospitalisations and deaths and the successful continuation of the vaccine deployment program. The NHS has said that they will need to ensure that assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new "variants of concern". A blueprint would seek to balance the health needs with the social and economic impacts of lockdown. The number of new confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths have been declining in February but remain high and the Johnson government says his reopening roadmap will follow “data, not dates".

UK set to ease lockdown amid accelerating vaccine rollout

As England braces for tier 3 measures after the nationwide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-in-europe-crosses-400000-as-germany-mulls-extending-partial-lockdown-till-early-spring-346074">lockdown</a> on December 2, anti-lockdown protesters took to the streets in London as scuffles broke out with police.

Watch:

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Reports said police arrested at least 60 people as the Metropolitan Police said there were a number of different offences, including breaching coronavirus restrictions.

People walked through Oxford Street and nearby Marble Arch as police asked protesters to leave.

The UK government has enforced strict lockdown measures amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Britain currently has over 1.6 million coronavirus cases and more than 58,000 fatalities which is the highest in Europe accounting for nearly two-thirds of fatalities in the continent.

The protesters chanted "freedom" as they took part in anti-lockdown demonstrations.

PM Johnson's government had imposed strict lockdown rules in November as coronavirus cases began to rise in the country even as it declared tier 3 lockdown would be in place for much of northern England affecting millions of people.

Lawmakers will vote on the new restrictions on December 1 as over 20 million people will be forced to live under tough coronavirus restrictions.

Meanwhile, government scientists said the virus in Britain has retreated slightly with new infections shrinking between 0 per cent and 2 per cent every day.

Amid the grown coronavirus fatigue, PM Johnson said although he understands the frustration, but added that "we're coming out of the tough autumn measures with the incidence of the disease still really pretty high."

"It's about one 80, one in 85 people in this country have it, and what we all need to do is use the this tough tiering," the UK PM said, adding,"the tough tiering to drive the disease down, both in tier three and the tier two areas until the vaccine comes on stream, which it will, we hope, over the next weeks and months."

As England braces for tier 3 measures after the nationwide lockdown on December 2, anti-lockdown protesters took to the streets in London as scuffles broke out with police.

As England braces for tier 3 measures after the nationwide lockdown on December 2, anti-lockdown protesters took to the streets in London as scuffles broke out with police. Watch: Reports said police arrested at least 60 people as the Metropolitan Police said there were a number of different offences, including breaching coronavirus restrictions. People walked through Oxford Street and nearby Marble Arch as police asked protesters to leave. The UK government has enforced strict lockdown measures amid a surge in coronavirus cases. Britain currently has over 1.6 million coronavirus cases and more than 58,000 fatalities which is the highest in Europe accounting for nearly two-thirds of fatalities in the continent. The protesters chanted "freedom" as they took part in anti-lockdown demonstrations. PM Johnson's government had imposed strict lockdown rules in November as coronavirus cases began to rise in the country even as it declared tier 3 lockdown would be in place for much of northern England affecting millions of people. Lawmakers will vote on the new restrictions on December 1 as over 20 million people will be forced to live under tough coronavirus restrictions. Meanwhile, government scientists said the virus in Britain has retreated slightly with new infections shrinking between 0 per cent and 2 per cent every day. Amid the grown coronavirus fatigue, PM Johnson said although he understands the frustration, but added that "we're coming out of the tough autumn measures with the incidence of the disease still really pretty high." "It's about one 80, one in 85 people in this country have it, and what we all need to do is use the this tough tiering," the UK PM said, adding,"the tough tiering to drive the disease down, both in tier three and the tier two areas until the vaccine comes on stream, which it will, we hope, over the next weeks and months."

At least 60 arrested in anti-lockdown protests in London