FIFTH AMENDMENT
Lockdown restrictions UNLIKELY to be lifted on July 5, suggests Boris Johnson after surging cases
LOCKDOWN rules are unlikely to be lifted on July 5, Boris Johnson suggested today - as Covid cases surged to 11,000 last night.
The PM was asked if he was hopeful of all rules being lifted by July 19 - which he has said is the "terminus date" for rules to be torn up.
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The PM faced a backlash from MPs and the public for pushing back the lockdown end date earlier this week.
He said it was to get more jabs in arms and give Britain a better chance of fighting off another wave of Covid - as infections are on the rise again.
And the PM said this afternoon on a visit to Yorkshire: "We are very confident that we'll be able to go through with Step Four of the roadmap on the timetable that I've set out, with July the 19th, as I've said as a terminus date.
"I think that's certainly what the data continues to indicate."
It comes as:
- All over 18s can book their vaccines from today
- The PM backed Matt Hancock after Dominic Cummings revealed texts saying he called him "f***ng hopeless"
- Ministers are in talks with football officials about allowing foreign executrices to come over to watch the final - with the PM vowing to make some "accommodations"
- But No10 stressed the final will still be held at Wembley
- England face Scotland in a huge Euros clash tonight
- Today Mr Cummings called Boris a gaffe machine and said he knew nothing about policy
Previously the PM's spokesperson had suggested it was "unlikely" that rules would be lifted on the 5 July - where a two-week break clause will take place for the PM to look again at the data.
And this lunchtime the Government said they were monitoring the position "every day" - but played down the prospect of rules ending earlier.
Downing Street said: "And after two weeks if we conclude that the risk is diminished then we reserve the possibility of proceeding to step four, and a full opening sooner.
"But I would point out that there were over 11,000 cases yesterday which was nearly a rise of 2,000 on Wednesday, and again pointing to what the Prime Minister said previously, he said that a two week delay would make a substantial difference in a four week delay, which will make even more of a difference in reducing the overall number."
Today all over 18s can finally book their jabs as the vaccine rollout hits its final stages.
The PM has vowed July 19 will be the end of Covid rules, but his backbenchers are worried they will get extended once again.
The Sun was told that some "baseline" rules will still be needed over the summer - but ministers haven't decided which ones.
It looks like the work from home order will be lifted, but Brits will have to decide with their employer whether they want to go back to the office or continue working from their desks at home.
Mask rules are expected to be ripped up on public transport - but its not clear whether people will still have to wear them in pubs, restaurants or other hotspot areas.
Some form of border controls and isolation may be needed for a significant period to stop new variants from getting into Britain.
Yesterday it was revealed the Government is looking for how to get holidays up and running again - and did not deny reports that people who have been double jabbed might be able to escape amber list quarantine in future.
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