The final stage of the four-step plan out of lockdown could see removal of mask-wearing rules, the end of social distancing and the return of large-scale events
Despite a surge in Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases led by the Delta variant, the Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson is all set to confirm today, i.e., July 5, 2021 that majority of restrictions will be lifted on July 19, 2021.
The final stage of the four-step plan out of lockdown could see removal of mask-wearing rules, the end of social distancing and the return of large-scale events. The final stage of the Government’s roadmap to come out of lockdown was supposed to come into force in June 2021 but got delayed owing to spike in cases.
Ahead of the media briefing, Johnson said that people must learn to live with the virus and exercise judgement. There will definitely be a rise in the number of cases once all the restrictions are lifted.
Speaking on the occasion, Johnson said, “But I must stress that the pandemic is not over and that cases will continue to rise over the coming weeks. As we begin to learn to live with this virus, we must all continue to carefully manage the risks from Covid and exercise judgement when going about our lives.”
The findings of reviews on the use of COVID-19 Certification or Vaccine Passports are also expected to be announced. The hospitality sector which suffered the most due to lockdown and social distancing is eagerly waiting for the social distancing to go-away.
Johnson will also clarify rules relating to care home visits. At the moment, care home residents in England can choose up to 5 people who can visit regularly, but no more than 2 people should visit at one time or in one day. Johnson will, however, not address rules on self-isolation, the rules in schools or travel restrictions.
The 10 Downing Street stressed that rules against travel to high-risk countries, as well as surge and community COVID-19 testing programmes would continue to operate in future.
Some other restrictions that are still there include, “rule of six” people for social gatherings, table service in pubs and restaurants, capacity limits in theatres and cinemas and the closure of nightclubs.
However, the Chairman of the British Medical Association – Dr. Chaand Nagpaul, said, it makes no sense to stop wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces amid a rising number of cases of the Delta variant.
He said, “We know that face masks are proven to reduce spread of this infection” and “can’t understand why – at a time where there are ‘exceptional high levels of cases’ – we would “knowingly want people to become infected.”
Separately, the Housing Secretary – Robert Jenrick said England would be moving to a period without legal restrictions and with an emphasis on personal responsibility, including on face masks.
For the records, more than 63% of the U.K. adult population have received both the jabs and 85% have received atleast the first jab. The Government is also considering offering third booster dose to everyone aged over 50 and the most vulnerable over the winter months.
