​The United Kingdom has reported more than 30,000 infections for six consecutive days. | Photo: EFE​

London, July 14 (RHC)-- The British Medical Association (BMA) has called the UK government's decision to lift the last restrictions against COVID-19 in England by July 19th "irresponsible."

The BMA described the government's removal of the mandatory protocols as dangerous, failing to live up to its promise to be guided by data and the impact on the National Health Service (NHS). In this regard, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed earlier this week the elimination of the last restrictions, including the mandatory use of masks, and the "bubble" system in schools.

The Department of Education clarifies that currently more than 800,000 pupils in England are not attending classes for reasons related to the coronavirus, a situation that includes approximately 747,000 children who were isolated due to a possible contact with a positive case.

For such reasons, Johnson's announcement contravened expert warnings about the increase in cases related to the Delta variant, which shows higher levels of contagion and hospitalization.  "We have been clear that any relaxation must be dependent on the vast majority of the population being fully vaccinated, ensuring they receive maximum protection and resulting in the control of new cases," said BMA president Chaand Nagpaul.

The UK has vaccinated 87.2 percent of the adult population with a first vaccination, while 66.2 percent of this age group have received the full immunization schedule.

According to the latest official figures from the British health authorities, 34,471 new infections and another six deaths from coronavirus were recorded in the last 24 hours, the sixth consecutive day with more than 30,000 infections.

It is also the second country in Europe most affected by the pandemic after Russia, with more than 128,000 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.