Prime Minister Boris Johnson raises doubts over all Covid restrictions ending on 19 July. He says “extra precautions” may still remain to protect against the virus, as there are growing concerns about the rate of infection.
Ministers repeatedly insisted on an end to all social distancing measures once we reach the “terminus date” later this month. And the PM says he is confident of the country returning back to a more pre-Covid life. However, he has raised doubts about whether all restrictions will lift on 19 July.
Mr Johnson knows that people are getting impatient and just want to get back to a complete sense of normality. He too is keen to return to a world as close as possible to what it was before the pandemic. But he warns there may still be “some things we have to do, extra precautions that we have to take”.
It is likely the government will end all legal requirements on Covid measures, but continue to issue guidance, for example on face masks. The thinking is that people are willing to keep wearing masks if it means avoiding further lockdowns. So far, the majority of people have complied well with the rules. If it comes down to a choice between locking down the economy or wearing a face mask to enter a shop, people will choose the face mask.
Rising infection rates
Concern continues among the experts over the rising number of Covid cases. Infections increased by another 27,989 on Thursday, a rise of 71.8 per cent in seven days. Hospitalisations and deaths are also rising, although at a slower rate of about 10 per cent a week.
While the government has not released any details on what measures could remain, sources suggest mask wearing on public transport will continue as guidance, rather than law. Downing Street say they “want to get rid of as many restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so”.
The biggest concern is over what is happening with nightclubs, theatres and live events. Ministers are apparently in ongoing debates with the scientists on how restrictions on certain things can lift, particularly regarding social distancing indoors.
Mr Johnson also raised hopes over foreign holidays by saying “double jabs will be a liberator” for people frustrated about travelling this summer. This seems to confirm reports that suggest fully-vaccinated people can travel from amber list countries from 26 July without quarantining on return. He wants travel to be possible, but warns people to expect it won’t be completely hassle free. Difficulties will still remain because of Covid.
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