The Prime Minster is expected to speak later this afternoon from Downing Street.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson will outline the details of the fourth and final step of England’s roadmap out of Covid restrictions in a news conference later today.
It is expected that he will announce changes relating to social distancing rules and the wearing of face masks. Rules on care home visits and working from home may also change.
This comes after Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, said that the wearing of masks would become a personal choice.
The government delayed step four changes coming into action last month until no earlier than 19th July. There will be no confirmed alterations until a review of the latest data on 12th July.
As of 2nd 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.
The government expects cases to rise as restrictions are eased. That’s according to scientific modelling. However, there is now a much weaker link to deaths and hospitalisations.
The Prime Minister hailed the success of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout as the reason why the government is able to ease restrictions.
He said, “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 four.”
As of 4th July, over 78 million vaccine doses have now been administered in the UK, and 63.4% of adults have received two doses.
‘The pandemic is not over’
But Boris Johnson was still keen on leaning on the side of caution.
“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.”
A news conference at Downing Street is expected to take place this afternoon.
‘Absolutely ridiculous’
Trade union Unite says that a move to make face masks non-compulsory would be “gross negligence”. The union represents tens of thousands of public transport workers.
A spokesperson said, “Rates of infection are continuing to increase. 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.
Analysis by Reporter James Briggs
Boris Johnson is expected to confirm later today that he is confident the majority of the remaining Covid restrictions in England can be lifted from July 19th. Previously Downing Street said step four would go ahead in two weeks time only if the Government’s “four tests” for easing had been met.
These new changes in the Prime Ministers announcement are not the standard Coronavirus updates these will be setting out how life as we know it will go for the foreseeable.
He said people must “learn to live with this virus” and “exercise judgement.”
Stephen Powis, the National Medical Director for NHS England, said infections were currently rising but hospital rates were not increasing at the same rate as previous peaks and “things are looking very good”.
As it Stands:
More than 63% of the UK adult population has now received a second vaccine dose.
86% having now received at least a first dose.
No 10 has said the government is ensuring preparations are in place to offer third “booster” doses to everyone aged over 50 and the most vulnerable over the winter months.
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HeadlinePrime Minister to set out rules for England’s final lockdown stage
Short HeadlinePM to announce easing to lockdown rules
StandfirstA news conference is expected to take place at Number 10 this afternoon.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will outline the details of the fourth and final step of England’s roadmap out of Covid restrictions in a news conference later today.
It is expected that he will announce changes relating to social distancing rules and the wearing of face masks. Rules on care home visits and working from home may also change.
This comes after Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, said that the wearing of masks would become a personal choice.
The government delayed step four changes coming into action last month until no earlier than 19th July. There will be no confirmed alterations until a review of the latest data on 12th July.
As of 2nd 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.
The government expects cases to rise as restrictions are eased. That’s according to scientific modelling. However, there is now a much weaker link to deaths and hospitalisations.
The Prime Minister hailed the success of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout as the reason why the government is able to ease restrictions.
He said, “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 four.”
As of 4th July, over 78 million vaccine doses have now been administered in the UK, and 63.4% of adults have received two doses.
‘The pandemic is not over’
But Boris Johnson was still keen on leaning on the side of caution.
“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.”
A news conference at Downing Street is expected to take place this afternoon.
‘Absolutely ridiculous’
Trade union Unite says that a move to make face masks non-compulsory would be “gross negligence”. The union represents tens of thousands of public transport workers.
A spokesperson said, “Rates of infection are continuing to increase. 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.
Analysis by Reporter James Briggs
Boris Johnson is expected to confirm later today that he is confident the majority of the remaining Covid restrictions in England can be lifted from July 19th. Previously Downing Street said step four would go ahead in two weeks time only if the Government’s “four tests” for easing had been met.
These new changes in the Prime Ministers announcement are not the standard Coronavirus updates these will be setting out how life as we know it will go for the foreseeable.
He said people must “learn to live with this virus” and “exercise judgement.”
Stephen Powis, the National Medical Director for NHS England, said infections were currently rising but hospital rates were not increasing at the same rate as previous peaks and “things are looking very good”.
As it Stands:
More than 63% of the UK adult population has now received a second vaccine dose.
86% having now received at least a first dose.
No 10 has said the government is ensuring preparations are in place to offer third “booster” doses to everyone aged over 50 and the most vulnerable over the winter months.
London stations are exhibiting their seasonal Christmas tree, which has raised questions of whether these displays are festive celebrations or clever pieces of brand promotion.
