28 Jun 2021 | 07:01 PM UTC
UK: Domestic COVID-19 restrictions in England to remain in effect until July 19 /update 69
Existing domestic COVID-19 restrictions in England, UK, to remain in place until July 19; measures likely to be eased after that date.
Event
Authorities in England have confirmed that current measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 will remain in place until July 19; senior officials have also indicated that the final relaxation of restrictions will likely take place on that date as well.
Each of the UK's constituent countries has the authority to impose travel and other restrictions, though they have typically remained closely aligned in their actions. Specific nationwide controls include a requirement that facemasks be worn in enclosed public spaces, including on public transport, though the following measures are also in effect:
England
Most nonessential shops and businesses are permitted to operate provided they adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Pubs and restaurants are permitted to open for indoor and outdoor services; group sizes are limited to a maximum of six people or any number of people from no more than two households.
Outdoor gatherings are allowed for up to 30 people from any number of households or any number of people from two different households.
Employees are encouraged to work from home where possible.
These restrictions are scheduled to remain until July 19. For details on official restrictions in place in England, click here.
Northern Ireland
Nonessential businesses are permitted to operate subject to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Catering and hospitality establishments are permitted to open for indoor and outdoor service; group sizes are limited to a maximum of six people.
Six people from up to two households can meet indoors; 15 people from up to three households are permitted to meet in private outdoor spaces.
Outdoor events of up to 500 people are permitted.
Many cultural sites are permitted to reopen; theaters and cinemas remain closed.
Employees must continue to work from home where possible.
Northern Ireland plans to relax restrictions further from July 5, though the government will not make a formal announcement to this effect until at least July 1. For details on official restrictions in place in Northern Ireland, click here.
Scotland
Nonessential travel from Greater Manchester, England, is currently prohibited.
Scotland is maintaining a five-tiered (Levels 0-4) restrictions system, with most locations currently categorized as Levels 1 or 2 (the second and third-lowest levels, respectively).
Nonessential businesses are permitted to operate subject to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Up to six people from a maximum of three households can meet socially indoors. Up to eight people from different households, excluding children, can meet socially outdoors in Level 2, increasing to 12 people in Level 1.
Authorities are planning to ease restrictions on July 19 before lifting all remaining domestic controls Aug. 9. For details on official restrictions in place in Scotland, click here.
Wales
Most nonessential shops and businesses are permitted to operate provided they adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
A maximum of two households is permitted to meet socially indoors, though up to three households are permitted to form an exclusive social bubble. Up to 30 people from different households, excluding children, are permitted to meet socially outdoors.
Pubs and restaurants can offer indoor and outdoor services; group sizes are limited to a maximum of six people from different households indoors or 30 people outdoors.
For details on official restrictions in place in Wales, click here.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Officials have warned that they could reintroduce localized restrictions in response to local COVID-19 outbreaks.
Context
The UK has embarked on a major COVID-19 vaccination program that aims to offer the first dose of the vaccine to all people over 18 by the end of July. The planned lifting of remaining restrictions was postponed from June 21 following a recent rise in cases attributed to the so-called "Delta variant." Authorities claim that the delay will allow a significant proportion of remaining adults to be vaccinated. Nationwide, health authorities have fully vaccinated nearly two thirds of all adults, including the vast majority members of those groups most likely to be susceptible to the more severe effects of COVID-19, and expect that this will provide them with significantly improved immunity, thereby mitigating the potential risks arising from an irreversible lifting of restrictions on domestic business and activity.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all domestic travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
