Johnson rules out second lockdown due to virus

London

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has all but ruled out the prospect of a second lockdown in the country. "I can't abandon that tool any more than I would abandon a nuclear deterrent. But it is like a nuclear deterrent, I certainly don't want to use it. And nor do I think we will be in that position again," he told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, according to Deutsche press agency (dpa).

Britain has reported Europe's highest death toll of more than 45,000 fatalities linked to the pandemic. Health data analysts estimate the true death toll at about 70,000, based on seasonal excess deaths. Scientists recently warned of the likelihood of a second wave of the virus in winter that could lead to up to 120,000 deaths.

Nonetheless, on Friday, Johnson eased further restrictions related to the outbreak and held out the prospect of a return to normal by Christmas. His comments came hours after his chief scientific advisor Patrick Vallance said he would not rule out the need for nationwide measures when questioned by a parliamentary committee.