Full list of everything Boris Johnson announced as June 21 lockdown delayed Bedford News

The lifting of restrictions in England will not continue as initially suggested on June 21, due to concerns over the increase in cases and hospitalizations.

The new end date for the lockdown measures will be July 19, although the Prime Minister has said that could happen in two weeks, if the tests are met at that time.

Weddings and awakenings will not be affected by the change of plans, meaning that the 30 person limit for attendees will be removed.

Pilots of mass events, such as Euros and “certain theatrical events” will be able to go ahead.

Addressing the nation at a Covid press conference, Boris Johnson said we “cannot just eliminate Covid, we have to learn to live with it”, before announcing that the lifting of restrictions would be delayed.

He said: “I cannot say that we have passed our four tests to advance to the fourth stage on June 21st.

“I think it’s reasonable to wait a little longer.”

The prime minister said cases were increasing by more than 60% per week and doubling in the worst affected areas.

He also said hospitalizations were increasing by 50% week after week, and that “although the link between infection and hospitalization has weakened, it has not been broken.”

The number of people in intensive care with Covid is also on the rise again, he said.

Johnson said the postponement of the fourth stage “will give the NHS a few crucial weeks to put the remaining jabs in the arms of those in need”.

To try to make sure the final restrictions can be lifted next month, Johnson said the vaccination program will be stepped up.

The goal of getting at least one dose of vaccine for every adult in the country has been brought forward to July 19.

All people over the age of 50, health and frontline care workers and vulnerable people will receive both doses of the vaccine on the same date, Johnson said.

This will also include anyone over 40 who received a first dose in mid-May.

Johnson said second jabs for those over 40 will also be stepped up, “so they can get maximum protection as quickly as possible.”

He said the 23 and 24 year olds will be able to reserve their first dose of the vaccine tomorrow.

The Prime Minister said: “As it stands, from the evidence I can see right now, I am confident that we will not need more than four weeks.

“Now is the time to let go of the accelerator.

“By being safe now, we have the chance over the next four weeks to save thousands of lives by vaccinating millions more.

He added, “Once the adults in this country are vaccinated, we will be in a much stronger position to reduce hospitalizations, live with this disease and complete our cautious but irreversible roadmap to freedom.