Johnson to confirm lifting of most remaining Covid restrictions in England
Boris Johnson will on Monday confirm that most remaining Covid restrictions will be lifted in England on July 19, in spite of soaring infections and calls for the wearing of masks in crowded places to remain a legal requirement.
The UK prime minister will announce that the government’s tests for moving to “step four” of the lockdown road map have been met — notably the severe weakening of the link between infections and hospitalisations.
But ministers accept the need to accelerate vaccinations among younger age groups. “You can expect England footballers to feature in some publicity in the coming days — urging people to get a jab,” said one minister.
Johnson, who will address a Downing Street press conference at 5pm, has been accused of being “reckless” by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. He said some legal restrictions should be retained, particularly the requirement to wear masks in crowded places including public transport.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which have devolved authority over health policy, are taking a more cautious approach to easing restrictions.
Sajid Javid, health secretary, will make a simultaneous statement to MPs and is likely to face further calls to say how many people ministers expect to die — or suffer from long Covid — when the restrictions are lifted.
On Sunday, another 31,772 cases of coronavirus were reported along with 26 deaths. Javid has said he expects daily new cases to reach 100,000 within weeks after restrictions are lifted.
Edward Argar, health minister, told LBC that guidance on mask wearing would replace legal rules and people would be encouraged “to be cautious and use [their] innate common sense”.
“When you see all the legal restrictions removed and a move towards guidance and common sense, with a healthy dose of caution, then businesses will be able to make those judgments,” he said.
“It’s about giving that responsibility back to businesses and individuals to exercise personal responsibility and make informed choices.”
On Sunday Johnson struck a cautious tone, acknowledging that the link between cases and hospitalisations had been “weakened” but not entirely broken.
“We are tantalisingly close to the final milestone in our road map out of lockdown, but the plan to restore our freedoms must come with a warning,” he said, noting that “the global pandemic is not over yet” despite the success of the vaccination programme.
“Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress, ensuring we continue to protect our NHS.”
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The government’s decision to press ahead with easing comes as it has changed its tone on masks.
Johnson had previously said wearing masks in England would be a “personal choice” and the government would end the “legal obligation to wear a face covering”.
But Nadhim Zahawi, vaccines minister, on Sunday suggested the government would advise people to act more cautiously. He told Sky News the government was likely to still recommend masks after the legal obligations ceased.