On 5th July 2021, the Prime Minister announced that COVID restrictions are set to end in England from step 4 of the Roadmap. Subject to a final review of the data next week, legal restrictions will end on Monday 19 July.
According to the Government, the decision to open up will be made in a ‘balanced and careful way.’ The Prime Minister also stressed that ‘people’s personal judgement will now be key in learning to live with the virus.’
The key announcements made were:
- Limits on social contact will end, meaning there will be no restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings.
- Weddings, funerals and other life events will be able to take place without restrictions.
- All venues currently closed will be allowed to reopen, including nightclubs, and there will be no legal requirement for table service in hospitality settings.
- Face coverings will no longer be legally required in shops, schools, hospitality, or on public transport.
- The 1m plus rule will be lifted other than in specific places such as at the border to help manage the risks of new variants coming into the country.
- The guidance to work from home where possible will also end.
- The cap on the number of named visitors for care home residents will be removed from the current maximum of five per resident, although infection prevention and control measures will remain in place to protect the most vulnerable.
The Education Secretary is set to give an update on new measures for schools and colleges later this week.
Proof of vaccination or a negative test will still be required for international travel.