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Boris Johnson announces that nightclubs can reopen and face masks will be voluntary on July 19th
“If we cannot reopen our society in the next few weeks… when will we be able to return to normal?”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just announced that almost all Covid restrictions will be scrapped on the revised ‘freedom day’ on July 19th.
As part of this evening’s 5pm briefing, Johnson said that the current restrictions in place will come to an end on July 19th, including having to wear masks in enclosed public settings and abiding by the one metre social distancing rule.
He also said that, as of the 19th, people won’t be expected to work from home and that all businesses will be allowed to reopen, including nightclubs and music venues.
While no proof of a Covid test or vaccine will be required for entry to venues, Johnson explained that the virus will still be monitored through the track and trace app, and those who test positive will still have to self isolate.
Number 10 / Flickr
He acknowledged that the pandemic ‘certainly won’t be over’ by July 19th, but the government will no longer issue ‘top down’ orders, and people must use their common sense to manage the risks.
He stated: “If we cannot reopen our society in the next few weeks… When will we be able to return to normal?”
The Prime Minister then stressed that the virus is something that the country needs to ‘learn to live with.’
Sajid Javid, the UK’s new Health Secretary, previously said that there’s no going back once lockdown is lifted, and insisted we won’t be subjected to further lockdowns in the future.