'Freedom Day' in England? Not for Boris Johnson

UK PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON: “And that’s why I’m going to be self-isolating until the 26th of July – Monday, the 26th of July.”

As England prepares to lift all remaining COVID-19 restrictions Monday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson – who announced that controversial decision less that one week prior – said on Sunday that he will be stuck at home, forced to quarantine at his country residence after coming in contact with UK health minister, Sajid Javid, who has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Johnson’s announcement came after he and the country’s finance minister – who also had contact with Javid – were heavily criticized for initially saying they would take part in a pilot program that would have allowed them to continue working.

JOHNSON: “And we did look briefly at the idea of us taking part in the pilot scheme which allows people to test daily but I think it's far more important that everybody sticks to the same rule.”

Despite a surge in infections, England will proceed on Monday with lifting mask mandates and social distancing requirements in what the British press has dubbed “Freedom Day.”

Johnson, now confined to his home, used his video message to plead with the public to be cautious and to get vaccinated.

“Go forward tomorrow into the next step with all the right prudence and respect for other people and the risks that the disease continues to present and, above all, please, please, please when you're asked to get that second jab. Please come forward and do it.”

Nearly 88% of England’s adult population has had one vaccine and nearly 68% have had a second dose.