Boris Johnson Confirms Lockdown Easing Delayed
Boris Johnson confirms the scheduled June 21st lockdown easing will be delayed by another four weeks.
The news delivers another huge setback to so many businesses that had pinned their hopes on a full summer reopening.
Social distancing will remain in place but the Prime Minister said he remained ‘confident’ the delay would not need to last longer than four weeks.
The move follows warnings from scientists that the rapid spread of the Delta variant first identified in India risks a 'substantial' third wave if it is allowed to spread unchecked.
Requesting patience within the ‘final push’, some will wonder when or how this can ever end with new variants emerging, despite widespread vaccination, due to borders remaining open and some freedoms of travel remaining.
It has sparked deep frustration among some Conservative MP’s, who argued there is no reason not to end restrictions as those most of risk of death or serious illness are now fully vaccinated.
“The effectiveness of our vaccines at preventing hospitalisation means unlocking on June 21st could proceed safely. Any decision to delay will be a political choice,” he said. “Variants and mutations will appear for the rest of time. We have to learn to live with it.”
Limitations on capacities will remain but the fifteen coronavirus pilot events will continue as planned prior to July 19th. Ministers have said they will review the extended restrictions on June 28th, with the possibility that current rules could be lifted on July 5th if the data has significantly improved. However, it is expected that the next stage of lockdown lifting will not go ahead until July 19th.
It is highly unlikely any further financial business support will be provided beyond the furlough scheme that is currently in place until September.
The only other alteration to previous venue limits, apart from the potential pilot events, will be wedding ceremonies or wakes, which will now be subject to socially distanced capacity limits for table service only, instead of the previous 30‑guest limit that had been in place.
Limitations on capacities will remain alongside advice to work from home where possible but the uncertainty that further restrictions may indeed continue in spite of so much money and preparation being spent to ensure utmost safety in facilities throughout the UK and a so far incredible vaccination roll‑out.
