The final stage of lockdown easing will be delayed until July 19 amid concerns over the rising number of Delta variant cases in the UK, Boris Johnson has confirmed.
England was set to reach step four of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown on June 21 at the earliest, but ministers have now opted to push back ‘Freedom Day’ by a period of four weeks.
It means limits on numbers for sports events, theatres and cinemas will remain in place, nightclubs will stay shuttered and people will be asked to continue working from home where possible.
Experts raised concerns that going ahead with the lifting of all legal limits on social contact as anticipated could lead to hospital admissions on the scale of the first wave of Covid-19, heaping unsustainable pressure on the health service.
Scientists believe the Delta variant is driving a rapid accelerations in cases, estimating it is between 40 per cent and 80 per cent more transmissible than the Alpha variant first found in Kent.
Mr Johnson told a Downing Street press conference yesterday evening that it is “sensible to wait just a little longer” to give the NHS more time to deliver crucial second doses of the vaccine.
However, Mr Johnson said despite the delay the 30-person cap for wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as wakes, will still be lifted on June 21 – with limits to be set by venues based on social distancing requirements.
The PM said he is “confident” no further delay will be necessary but was unable to rule that out, warning of the possibility that an unforeseen and “far more dangerous” variant could emerge.
The news has been described as a “devastating blow” for the night-time industry, while hospitality businesses will also see trading impacted by continued social distancing.
Labour accused the Government of “incompetence and indecision” and blamed the delay on border security.
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to announce today whether the latest easing of restrictions to the lowest level will go ahead on June 28.
