COVID-19: Face masks could be dropped after July 19 when final restrictions end, reports say | UK News

Face masks and social distancing will no longer be required after July 19, according to reports.

The news comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly preparing to ease the latest coronavirus restrictions in England later this month.

With lock hawk Matt Hancock having resigned from his post as health secretary, his replacement Sajid Javid is believed to be more eager to fully reopen the economy.

He wrote in The Mail On Sunday that the UK should find ways to live with COVID-19 because it cannot be “eliminated”.

Despite the increase in cases of the virus, the number of deaths remains relatively low in a highly vaccinated population, so the pressure is mounting to return to normal.

The Sunday Times reported that mask wearing will become voluntary in all settings and that the meter rule and more in hospitality settings such as pubs will end.

This would mean that people could drink at the bar again instead of only being allowed table service.

Having to scan a QR code before entering a bar, restaurant or similar place would also be a thing of the past after July 19, which would mean a lower risk of people being asked to self-isolate by Test and Trace. .

Mass events, including festivals, would also be allowed as part of the proposals for the final stage of the lockdown exit roadmap.

The newspaper quoted a Downing Street source who said that even though the modeling predicted unlocking would lead to more cases, the successful rollout of the vaccine meant the government was “confident there would be no risk of pressure. additional on the NHS “.

Asked about the information, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “No decision has been made, but more details will be released shortly.”

It comes after Downing Street said on Saturday it was consider removing quarantine requirements for those who have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

It is understood that all legal self-isolation measures could be dropped for fully vaccinated people entering …