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Returning to the podium Thursday for the first time since recovering from the coronavirus, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he could confirm that the U.K. is "past the peak of this disease."

Why it matters: The U.K. has Europe's second-highest death toll, behind Italy, and the number of active cases continued to tick upwards last week even as it fell in other hard-hit countries like France and Spain. With the situation now improving, Johnson said he'll announce a "comprehensive plan" next week for re-opening the economy, schools and transportation.

Boris Johnson says U.K. is "past the peak" of the coronavirus

The prime minister returned to the podium for the first time since recovering from COVID-19.

Boris Johnson

Coronavirus

Returning to the podium Thursday for the first time since recovering from the coronavirus, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he could confirm that the U.K. is &quot;past the peak of this disease.&quot;Why it matters: The U.K. has Europe&#x27;s second-highest death toll, behind Italy, and the number of active cases continued to tick upwards last week even as it fell in other hard-hit countries like France and Spain. With the situation now improving, Johnson said he&#x27;ll announce a &quot;comprehensive plan&quot; next week for re-opening the economy, schools and transportation.

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The U.S. faces a range of health care flashpoints — unaffordable drugs, opioids, vaping — as we debate whether to adopt universal care. For now, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, but Republicans want to issue it a final death blow.

Boris Johnson says U.K. is "past the peak" of the coronavirus

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