What Boris Johnson could announce at 6pm press conference as lockdown lifting ‘delayed’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce a delay to the ending of social-distancing rules this afternoon – what is he expected to say?
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Boris Johnson will announce the decision on the June 21 easing of restrictions at a press conference at 6pm today ( Monday June 14), Downing Street has confirmed.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce the ending of social-distancing rules – which had been slated for June 21 – will be delayed for four weeks to July 19.

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Under the The PM’s likely plan, he is expected to keep the rules unchanged on many activities but there are hints of a relaxation for weddings.

Boris JohnsonBoris Johnson
Boris Johnson

Speaking to Sky News ahead of the PM's announcement, health minister Edward Argar hinted that restrictions on weddings in England will be relaxed.

He said: "I know that weddings and people in that situation will be very much in his mind at the moment and it's one of the things he's been looking at carefully,"

Masks and social distancing:

The latest social distancing guidance, which is likely to remain unchanged, says you should be 2m (6ft) apart from people you don't live/bubble with.

Drinkers raise a glass at the Stags Head. The Rule of six is likely to remain unchanged.Drinkers raise a glass at the Stags Head. The Rule of six is likely to remain unchanged.
Drinkers raise a glass at the Stags Head. The Rule of six is likely to remain unchanged.
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In England you can be "1m plus" if you can't keep 2m apart, by taking extra steps to stay safe, such as wearing face coverings.

You can use "personal judgement" if you want to hug close friends and family you don't live with, but should remain cautious. Before Step 4 begins, the Government is reviewing social distancing and other long-term measures that have been put in place to cut transmission.

Nightclubs not opening but potential relaxation of wedding rules:

Nightclubs are set to remain closed, however it is thought the rules are likely to be relaxed for weddings, which at present can only be attended by 30 guests.

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At the moment up to 30 people can to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals.

Venues like theatres and stadiums not reopening fully:

Theatres and other indoor venues are set to keep restrictions to 50 per cent capacity.

The Government allows some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number). In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).

Rule of 6 inside bars/table service:

If you are sitting inside a pub or a restaurant, the rule of six is likely to still apply.

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This means current rules about sitting in beer gardens will be the same indoors.

Government guidelines say outdoor gatherings of more than 30 will remain illegal and indoor gatherings will be limited to six people or two households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible).

The guidelines add: 'Social distancing is still very important. You should stay two metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or one metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay two metres apart.'