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There will be no limits on social contact from 19 July

There will be no limits on social contact from 19 July.

The prime minister begins step 4 of the Coronavirus updates by saying the final decision on easing lockdown in England will be taken on 12 July, but he will set out further details on the plans for 19 July now.

He stresses the pandemic is “far from over and won’t be over by 19 July”.

Cases are rising “fairly rapidly”, he says, and the country is also seeing a rise in hospital admissions.

We must reconcile ourselves to the fact there will sadly be more deaths, he says.

As of 19 July there will be no limits on social contact from 19 July and all remaining businesses will be allowed to open.

It means nightclubs and other nightlife venues will be allowed to reopen this month, and there will be no limits on how many people can gather.

Currently, only 30 people can meet outdoors while six people or two households can meet indoors.

Also the legal requirement to wear face masks to be removed from 19 July.

Self-isolation will continue, but fully vaccinated people will be exempt if a contact tests positive.

Test and Trace will continue, as well as self-isolation for COVID cases and their contacts, the PM says.

PA

People will now no longer be instructed to work from home.

The Prime Minister added: “the vaccines have reduced the risk of dying from the virus although not eliminated it. But there’s a risk with continuing with restrictions too because they take a toll on people’s lives and mental health.

“it is time to be honest with ourselves. If we cannot open up in summer when the weather is good, then when can we return to normal?

“The alternative is to open in winter he adds and that is not a good idea.”

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