Boris Johnson confirms covid restrictions will be lifted from Monday UK News

But he stressed the need for caution and that the pandemic was “not over”

Mr Johnson confirmed tonight that plans to lift restrictions imposed on July 19 by the lockdown will proceed ‘with caution’

He said making the switch now with schools on the verge of separating would be a firewall.

He said if a new variant came along he wouldn’t rule anything out and had to protect the public.

He said: “It is vital that we now proceed with caution.

“This pandemic is not over. This disease continues to pose risks to you and your family. “

He added that the country couldn’t instantly return to life before covid, and said he expected people to wear face coverings in certain circumstances like crowded indoor places and public transportation.

He said he expected the whole country to return to its offices from Monday.

He urged nightclubs to use NHS Covid passes showing vaccine test or natural immunity, and urged everyone to keep thinking of others and consider the risks.

The test and the trace will remain in place.

He said an additional seven million jabs had been taken in the past four weeks since the date originally scheduled for the restrictions to end on June 21.

He said: “The most important thing is that you get this vaccine, it is only through the vaccination program that we can take these steps now.”

Professor Chris Whitty said that for the Delta dominant variant it was certain that one dose reduced a symptomatic infection by a third and two doses by about 80%.

He said it was even more effective against hospitalizations, with a 90 percent reduction in the risk of hospitalization after two doses. He said the Delta variant was now the dominant variant. Looking at other worrisome variants, the numbers were low and not increasing or decreasing.

Mr Johnson said there would be more deaths and hospitalizations from Covid, but that was always expected.

The July 19 changes will see:

No limit on the number of people who can meet

The rule of more than 1 m has been removed in most places

Face coverings are no longer required by law

Pubs and restaurants no longer just serve table service

No limit on wedding and funeral guests

No limit on who goes to concerts, theaters or sporting events

No restriction on community worship

Directives against travel to orange countries removed

Adults fully vaccinated in the UK will no longer have to quarantine themselves for 10 days after returning from Amber List countries

Those under 18 won’t need to self-quarantine

Read more: What are the travel rules for people with both jabs?

Visitor restrictions in nursing homes will be removed

On August 16, most Covid restrictions in schools – including “bubbles” – will end before the start of the fall term.

It will remain a legal obligation to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid.