SCENES of London streets packed with revellers after outdoor hospitality was given the green light in England have been shared online, prompting concern over another Covid wave.
Out of 66.65 million people in the UK, seven million residents have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Several European countries have recently been forced back into lockdown as a third wave of the virus hit the mainland.
Last week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said while a new wave could not be ruled out in the UK, it is also not “inevitable”. She called for further caution, particularly in relation to international travel – which health experts believe led to the autumn spike in Covid-19 cases.
READ MORE: FACT CHECK: Claim Nicola Sturgeon 'imagined' Scotland handled Covid better
A recent University of Warwick study shows vaccinations are unlikely to contain coronavirus alone, with researchers concluding gradually easing lockdown and securing high uptake of jags is the most successful route to limiting the virus’s impact.
The scientists believe the scale of future coronavirus waves will be determined by how early restrictions are relaxed as well as how many people get their vaccine.
Last night there were warnings of “very little” social distancing in the heart of London’s west end as revellers gathered for drinks outside.
Several West End streets were closed to traffic between 5pm-11pm to create outdoor seating areas as part of measures implemented by Westminster City Council to support hospitality businesses.
Crowds break out into spontaneous cheering in Soho, central London, after hundreds of people flocked to pubs on the first day of lockdown restrictions being eased in England.
— LBC (@LBC) April 12, 2021
Read more: https://t.co/n99FTucUzb pic.twitter.com/SDCYYzKvBk
Pictures and videos being shared online show people packed onto tables laden with food and drinks, while several dozen more stood on the streets cheering the first night of pubs and bars reopening.
Attila Kulcsar, a media communications manager present at the festivities, said: “There is very little social distancing. A distinct sense that people feel the Covid restrictions have ended.
“There are lots of police around Soho as well as Covid Marshalls, but there is no word from them about social distancing … if anything they seem to be joining in the festivities.”
Westminster City Council said it was aware of “isolated incidents of crowding” and that it was working with businesses to ensure they are operating “responsibly and safely in line with guidance”.
Lawrence Young, a virologist and professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School, described “a joyous day” but warned people should remain cautious.
He said: “The current reduction in cases and hospitalisations is not only due to the success of the vaccine rollout but also the impact of lockdown in preventing virus spread.
“So while taking the opportunity to enjoy shopping and outside hospitality, we must remain cautious – the virus is still out there and very infectious.
“We can’t ignore what’s going on in the rest of the world – every other day new variants are being reported and infection is rife.”
Online, Scots shared the footage with concern. It is just under two weeks before outdoor hospitality can resume north of the Border.
Filmmakers Phantom Power wrote: “Here we go again. #Scotland shows caution as England parties then we’re forced into another Covid wave we never caused and go into lockdown again.”
“London has same population as Scotland. More people = busier. Be honest, Ashton Lane will be like this in two weeks,” one person responded.
READ MORE: Scotland records lowest number of daily Covid cases since September
In the replies, others were concerned that those out enjoying themselves were primarily in the younger age bracket and most likely not vaccinated.
Meanwhile, dozens of people in parts of south London are being made to isolate after contracting the Covid-19 variant first identified in South Africa, prompting a surge in testing in the area.
Some 44 confirmed cases have been found predominantly in the Wandsworth and Lambeth boroughs, with a further 30 probable cases of the South African variant identified, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
People aged 11 and over who live, work or travel through those areas are being urged to take a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, on top of using twice-weekly rapid testing.
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