TODAY, July 19, dubbed England’s “freedom day” or the government’s “Step 4” in plans to return to normality,is the date the British government ends all legal, social and economic restrictions imposed to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After months ofconstraints, the country has finally reached the last step in the government’s unlocking road map – and here's all you need to know about 'freedom day'
What does Freedom Day mean?
“Freedom Day” is essentially the name given to the ending of all restrictions of the Covid-19 lockdown and a return to “normal” life.
Previously, the U.K. had given June 21 as its grand reopening day; however, the number of newly confirmed daily COVID cases and below target vaccination rates forced the government to postpone the date by at least 3 weeks.
After months of pandemic related constraints, the country has been gradually easing through stages of the government’s roadmap, which was set out in February.
The country progressed through stages one and two earlier in the year and completed stage three yesterday, July 18.
Many of the restrictions imposed had eased already, such as the re-opening of hospitality venues, but some restrictions were still in place.
Now, as we enter the fourth and final stage of the plan has seen an end to all legal limits to social contact as well as the reopening of all remaining premises such as nightclubs and larger events.
When is Freedom Day?
Today! July 19!
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government have been reluctant to keep restrictions in place any longer, provided the data support it.
This has included evaluating the success of the nation’s vaccination program and the impact COVID-19 cases have on the National Health Service (NHS).
The Governments aim to have rolled out a double-dose of vaccine to two-thirds of adults by 19 July in a drive to build up national immunity against all variants of Covid-19 have been met – therefore the nation has been given the green light to enter the next stage of the governments roadmap.
However, there has been some backclash towards "Freedom Day", with many believing it is too early to lift all restrictions.
Britain has the seventh highest death toll in the world, and is forecast to soon have more new infections each day than it did at the height of a second wave of the virus earlier this year.
What lockdown rules have changed on Freedom Day?
From midnight last night, July 19, laws in England requiring masks to be worn in shops and other indoor settings, along with capacity limits in bars and restaurants, and rules limiting the number of people who can socialise together have ALL been lifted.
Yes, this means all social distancing limits are over, with no more "rule of six" or "one-metre plus" restrictions – and groups of more than six people from different households will be able to mingle indoors and outdoors.
Other businesses such as nightclubs can also welcome the eagerly awaited party-goers back to the dancefloors.
Legal limits of those attending funerals and those celebrating weddings have also ended, aswell as school bubbles.
Essentially, "Freedom Day" means the scrapping of all physical distancing guidelines and mask wearing is optional except on public transport, where in London it remains compulsory and in other parts of England, remains advised.
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