UK puts lockdown-easing on hold as virus spread accelerates

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson put some planned measures to ease the UK's lockdown on hold Friday, just hours before they were due to take effect, saying the number of new coronavirus cases in the country is on the rise first time since May.

Johnson said at a news conference that statistics show that the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community is likely increasing, with an estimated 4,900 new infections every day, up from 2,000 a day at the end of June. 

"We just can't afford to ignore this evidence," he said. 

"With those numbers creeping up, our assessment is that we should now squeeze (the) brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control." 

He called off plans to allow venues, including casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks, to open from Saturday, Aug 1. Wedding receptions were also put on hold, along with plans to allow limited numbers of fans back into sports stadiums and audiences into theaters.

(With input from AP)