The prime minister will address the nation at a Downing Street press conference later today where he is expected to outline his final plans for the easing of lockdown on 19th July.
Full details were due to be released on 12th July however it is understood today’s announcement is to give businesses time to make any changes needed ahead of ‘freedom day’.
Ahead of the press conference Downing Street released a statement from the Prime Minister saying: “Thanks to the successful rollout of our vaccination programme, we are progressing cautiously through our road map.
“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 judgment when going about our lives.”
What we expect to be announced:
- Social distancing and masks are both are set to be made voluntary except in healthcare settings where people will still be required to wear a mask.
- The rule of six inside and 30 outside will be removed bringing an end to restrictions on weddings and funerals.
- Workers return to the office – individual businesses will be able to decide when workers return to work from the office.
- Festivals and other mass gatherings are expected to be given the go-ahead – great news for Live at Lydiard and Mfor.
- Pubs and restaurants will be able to return to normal service without the need for customers to check-in at the door.
What time is Boris Johnson’s announcement?
The prime minister is expected to begin the press conference at 5pm today.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Officer Sir Patrick Vallance are expected to flank the PM and will outline the data behind the decision.
