Prime Minister to set out plans for final easing of Covid-19 restrictions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to announce plans for the final easing of Covid-19 restrictions as set out in January’s roadmap.

The Prime Minister will host a televised press conference this afternoon (Monday 5th July) for the expected easing of all restrictions on 19th July, providing businesses and the public with a fortnight to prepare. The Health and Social Care Secretary will announce the plans to Parliament.

Step 4 in the government’s roadmap is expected to begin on Monday 19th July if the government’s “four tests” for easing Covid-19 restrictions have been met. This will be confirmed on Monday 12th July following a review of the latest data. The latest data and scientific modelling suggest that cases will continue to rise as restrictions are eased, but the link to hospitalisations and deaths has been weakened due to the vaccination programme.

As of 2 July, there were 27,714 new positive cases in England. 331 people were admitted with COVID-19 and there were 1,611 patients in hospital. The latest ONS estimates show that 1 in 260 people have COVID-19 in England. Next steps on the one-metre-plus rule, face coverings, and working from home will be set out, alongside the findings of the social distancing and certification review. An update will also be provided on the next steps for care home visits.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured, centre, announcing restrictions last year) said in a government press release:

Thanks to the successful rollout of our vaccination programme, we are progressing cautiously through our roadmap. Today we will set out how we can restore people’s freedoms when we reach step 4.

“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 coming end to restrictions has been welcomed by the hospitality sector which has been subject to closures and reduced capacity throughout the pandemic, with night clubs yet to be permitted to reopen. Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy adviser, Sacha Lord, welcomed the news; he commented on Twitter:

Today, it’s widely expected that the PM will announce dropping social distancing from the 19th July. A huge moment for hospitality, but: Please remember it will take a minimum of 3 years for these businesses to fully recover. They will need your support now, more than ever.”

Trade union, Unite, which represents many workers in the public transport sector called however for caution in easing restrictions such as the use of face coverings in enclosed spaces to protects workers and passengers. Unite’s national officer for passenger transport, Bobby Morton, said:

To end the requirement to wear masks on public transport would be an act of gross negligence by the government.

“Rates of infection are continuing to increase and not only does mask wearing reduce transmissions it helps provide reassurance to drivers and to passengers who are nervous about using public transport.

“The idea of personal responsibility and hoping that people will wear masks is absolutely ridiculous. Members are already reporting there is an increase in passengers ignoring the rules on mask wearing.

“Until rates of Covid-19 are fully under control, throughout the whole of the UK, the rules on mask wearing on public transport should remain in place.”