Roadmap out of lockdown – Step 4
In his press conference on Monday, the prime minister confirmed that on Monday 19th July, Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown in England – which had been delayed by four weeks to allow more adults to be vaccinated – would go ahead as planned as, by the revised date, two thirds of adults will have received two doses and every adult will have been offered a first dose. However, he stressed “it was vital to proceed with caution because the pandemic is not over and we cannot simply revert instantly from 19th July to life as it was before Covid”. As a consequence, while virtually all legal restrictions will be lifted, some guidance will remain.
From 19th July: –
- Although face coverings will no longer be legally required, government guidance will be in place suggesting people would be expected and recommended to wear face coverings in enclosed and crowded indoor settings and venues where they come into contact with those they don’t normally meet, such as on public transport. Some airlines have already announced face coverings will be mandatory as a condition of carriage and the government has said bus and train companies must decide whether passengers will be required to wear them on their services Transport for London are expected to make face coverings mandatory and it is likely that certain businesses, retail outlets and hospitality venues may also decide to encourage or even require customers to wear face coverings
- The 1m plus social distancing rules will no longer apply (other than in hospitals and at border control – and for people who are self-isolating) but people are encouraged to “exercise common sense and consider the risks” of social contact
- Limits on the number of people meeting indoors (the rule of six/two households) will end although the government is asking the public to continue to limit the number, proximity and duration of social contacts, to think about how ventilation can be improved when indoors and to consider meeting others outdoors where possible
- Limits on the number of people meeting outdoors (currently 30) will end
- Ordering drinks from a bar in pubs and restaurants will be permitted and the requirement for table service lifted
- Government guidance on working from home where possible will end but businesses are being asked to stagger returns to the office throughout the summer to facilitate a gradual transition back to pre-pandemic working practices
- The limit on named visitors to care homes will end
- Singing hymns in church and dancing at weddings and receptions will be permitted
- Theatres, cinemas, sports stadiums, festivals and other event venues can operate at full capacity
- Nightclubs can re-open but, along with other venues with large crowds, will be “encouraged” (but not legally required) to use Covid status certification proving attendees had received two jabs or tested negative
- School “bubbles” will end
- It will no longer be a legal requirement to scan the NHS Covid app or provide contact details when visiting pubs, restaurants etc. – but it is still advisable
The requirement to self-isolate if you are told by NHS Test and Trace you are a close contact of a person who has tested positive for Covid will remain in place until 16 August, when it will be relaxed so that if you have been fully vaccinated (two jabs) you will not need to enter 10 days of self-isolation but can continue your life as normal.
International Travel
The rules on international travel are complex and subject to change at short notice but there is some good news – from 4am on Monday 19th July, the government will no longer recommend against travel to amber list countries and people arriving from these destinations who have been fully vaccinated with an NHS vaccine will not need to quarantine on arrrival in England – a pre-departure test before arrival in England and a PCR test on or before day 2 after arrival will be required. If you are contemplating travelling abroad you may care to refer to the latest government guidance which can be found here.
Getting tested for Coronavirus
The latest government guidance for getting tested for Coronavirus – whether or not you have sympotms – can be seen here.
Stay well and keep safe and if you require help with shopping or prescriptions, please contact: –
Fr. Peter Mallinson (Bury) 839057 or Ken & Diana Rowsell (West Burton) 831475