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PM set to delay easing lockdown by four weeks tonight – but what else can we expect?

Boris Johnson

PM set to delay easing lockdown by four weeks tonight – but what else can we expect?

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is tonight expected to delay the last stage of easing lockdown restrictions on 21 June by a further four weeks, it has been reported.

During the press conference, which is set to take place at 6pm, the PM will urge the nation for “one last heave” of freedom in an effort to “provide greater protection and greater assurance” by delaying the lockdown restrictions easing.

According to sources, the announcements which will be made at the press conference include the delay to the final easing of restrictions until 19 July, the rules on masks and guidance on working from home to remain in place, pubs remaining table-service only, and social distancing requirements staying in place.

It’s also been speculated that Johnson could relax the limit on 30 wedding guests.

The delay to “Freedom Day” comes after the R rate in England has risen to between 1.2 and 1.4, with cases of Covid-19 rising at their fastest rate since the second wave of the virus in winter.

Many questions have come to light in the lead-up to the disappointing announcement, including what the exact requirements have to be for restrictions to be completely removed – and whether or not this four-week extension really is a one-off.

Figures such as the R rate, Covid-19 hospitalisation figures and the Covid-19 death rate have to be taken into consideration by government before they relax restrictions.

Gi Media has contacted the Cabinet Office for comment, but they said they “cannot speculate” ahead of the press conference.

Updates will be issued throughout the press conference, which will be held at 6pm.

Contact Gi National
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk

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