Boris Johnson’s sudden vow to ditch Covid rules was condemned by one of his own scientific advisers last night.
The move was criticised as an attempt to save his job by distracting attention from the Partygate scandal and currying favour with the public.
Experts say they were taken by surprise by the announcement which put millions at risk.
Prof Susan Michie, of the Sage committee, said: “It’s too early to lift the self-isolation rules when we still have over 200 deaths a day.”
She said Sage estimated that protective behaviour such as masks and self-isolation cut transmission 20 to 45%.
“Removing these protections is a political not a public health decision, conveniently distracting from the PM and colleagues’ breaking of Covid 19 rules,” she added.
Mr Johnson, citing “encouraging trends”, said all remaining rules could end by February 24. PCR testing may go by the end of March as the nation plans to “live with the virus”.
Wednesday’s announcement came as Tory MPs threaten to oust him over lockdown parties at No10 being probed by the Met police.
Dr Matt Bigwood, of Doctors’ Association UK, said it could put patients and medics at unnecessary risk for “a last desperate act of political expediency”.
He said treating coronavirus as if it was no longer a threat may mean “a more miserable future for many than could have been the case – and early deaths for some”.
Stats show cases in older people have started rising as booster protection wanes. In the week to February 5, 3% of people aged 50 to 69 caught Covid, and 2.5% of those over 70.
There are still 1,500 Covid hospital admissions a day, and upwards of 200 deaths. GP Helen Salisbury, of the Independent Sage, said: “We’ve all been surprised by this sudden announcement. It is difficult to see how it makes sense.
“Numbers, although they may be coming down, are still very, very high.”
Jumoke Abdullahi, of disability charity Inclusion London, added: “We’re seen as expendable and acceptable collateral damage in Johnson’s continuing bid to remain at No10.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted they expect to end remaining restrictions a month early, if positive trends in data continue. He added: “We are the freest country in Europe thanks to the strong defences we have built.”
