Covid restrictions extended for another four weeks but no cap on number of wedding guests

Boris Johnson has confirmed that step four of lockdown-easing will be postponed

Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 14th Jun 2021
Last updated 14th Jun 2021

Boris Johnson has confirmed that the coronavirus restrictions in England, due to be lifted on Monday 21st June, will be continuing for another four weeks, but that some things, like the restrictions on the number of guests at weddings will be scrapped.

In a briefing from Downing Street, the Prime Minister has confirmed restrictions will stay in place until Monday 19th July despite the lockdown easing roadmap earmarking their removal on the 21st June.

The easing has been put on hold as the Delta variant, originally found in India, is increasing 64% week on week, causing hospital rates to increase across the country as well.

He said that the spread of the Delta variant meant “we have obviously faced a very difficult choice”.

“We can simply keep going with all of Step 4 on June 21, even though there is a real possibility that the virus will outrun the vaccines and that thousands more deaths would ensue which could otherwise have been avoided.

“Or else we can give the NHS a few more crucial weeks to get those remaining jabs into the arms of those who need them.

“And since today I cannot say that that we have met all our four tests for proceeding with Step 4 on June 21, I think it is sensible to wait just a little longer.”

Here's what's happening to restrictions from the 21st June in England

Weddings

The 30 guest limit will be removed. There will be no numeric restriction on guests at weddings, however the capacity of venues will be limited by social distancing. There must be table service at the wedding and you won't be able to have a dancefloor inside the venue.

Funerals

The guest limit on funerals will be scrapped as well. At the moment only 30 mourners are allowed, but from the 21st July the cap will be lifted and as long as social distancing is followed, there will be no limit.

Care homes

Care home residents will no longer need to self-isolate for 14 days after leaving for visits in most cases.

Theatres

Restrictions on going to the theatre will remain in place as they are now, so they can open but with with COVID-secure measures in place, including social distancing.
Pilot events such as Euro 2020 and some theatrical performances, will continue though, indicating some events will be allowed larger crowds than under the restrictions currently in place as part of the research programme.

Pubs and restaurants

Restrictions on pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants will remain as they are at the moment. Social distancing will have to be adhered to and there must be table service.

Nightclubs

Nightclubs will remain closed until at least 19th July

Home working

People are being asked to continue working from home where possible.

Our Westminster correspondent Georgine Prodromou was watching the announcement:

The four tests key to lifting lockdown

Part of the government's roadmap was always to delay the easing if we weren't passing these four key tests, which Boris Johnson said we're no longer meeting:

  • The success of the vaccine rollout
  • Evidence of vaccine efficacy
  • An assessment of new variants
  • Keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS

Scientists have spent the weekend defending a delay to easing restrictions, saying that the rapid spread of the Delta variant first identified in India risks a substantial third wave of infection.

It's possible there will be a backlash from some MPs now parts of lockdown will carry on for a little longer.

Boris Johnson said he is “confident” that no more than four weeks will be needed and that restrictions will not go beyond July 19.

Vaccine rollout sped up

Delaying lockdown easing will give the NHS more time to deliver crucial Covid-19 jabs, Boris Johnson said as the timeline for Covid-19 vaccines was sped up.

The target of offering jabs to all adults by the end of July has been brought forward to July 19, with those over the age of 23 in England able to book their jab from tomorrow.

The delay will also mean that more people will be able to receive their second Covid-19 jab, with the Prime Minister announcing that all over 40s should have their second vaccine eight weeks after their first.

It is hoped that the delay for easing restrictions will mean that around two-thirds of adults will have been offered two doses of vaccine by July 19.

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