WORCESTER News readers narrowly supported Boris Johnson in tearing up England’s coronavirus regulations in the next stage of the roadmap.
The prime minister has relied on trusting the public’s judgment and the protection offered by vaccines as he removed the mandatory wearing of masks and removed social distancing requirements.
The so-called “Freedom Day” is expected on July 19th, a decision will be made a week earlier
Officials admitted that Covid-19 cases and deaths would continue to rise – albeit at a much lower level than before the vaccination program – but it is now necessary to find a new way to live with the virus.
According to the Prime Minister’s plan for Step 4 of the Roadmap:
– There will be no restrictions on social contacts, ie the end of orders such as the “rule of six” and restrictions on guests at weddings and mourners at funerals.
– The legal obligation to wear face covering is removed, although the guidelines suggest that people could do so in “closed and crowded places”.
– All remaining stores can reopen, including nightclubs, while capacity restrictions are lifted and bars and restaurants are no longer limited to table service.
– The government will no longer instruct people to work from home.
– The “one meter plus” rule on social distancing will be lifted, except in certain circumstances, such as at the border, where guidance remains in place to prevent passengers from red and yellow list countries from mingling with other travelers.
– The limit for named nursing home visitors is lifted, but the measures to protect against infection remain in place.
– There will be no mandatory use of Covid status certifications – so-called domestic vaccination certificates – although companies can use the system voluntarily.
– The gap between vaccine doses for those under 40 will be reduced from 12 to 8 weeks, which means that all adults will have the option of double vaccination by mid-September
A Facebook reader poll asked: “Should the restrictions be lifted and Freedom Day on July 19th” and yesterday afternoon 58 percent of votes in favor and 42 percent against.
We also asked readers if and where masks are worn when they become optional.
Richard Morris said, “No, unless it’s in a clinical setting – I like to wear one to the doctor or to the hospital.”
Lisa Porter said, “Yes in busy interiors.”
Jane Frost said, “I’m sure I still have to wear it to work, but I can’t wait to go without it afterwards.”
Carol Banks added, “When we were in town on Saturday there wasn’t a lot of personal responsibility.”
Worcester MP Robin Walker said he will continue to wear a mask on public transport after July 19, but not in stores unless directed to do so.
“Just because something isn’t mandatory doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about not using it, but it’s about the right balance – you don’t have the government all the time telling you what you do in your day-to-day life should do.” said the MP.
When asked if he supported the lifting of lockdown restrictions that day, he also said, “We should keep a close eye on the number of cases, these things are only ever established on the basis of the evidence.
“But we have to take into account all the disadvantages that are associated with restrictions and affect people’s freedoms.
“There has to be a balance. As long as hospital admissions stay low, I hope we can lift the remaining restrictions and get things back to normal.
“That doesn’t mean we protect ourselves from the virus. It’s about making it a matter of choice rather than making it a legal sanctuary.”
Harriett Baldwin, MP from West Worcestershire and a member of the lockdown-skeptical Covid Recovery Group of MPs, said: “The vaccination program has made great strides in the field and I continue to urge everyone over 18 to get vaccinated.
“The wide acceptance and effectiveness of the vaccines means that the risk of overburdening the NHS has decreased and I fully support the move to end national restrictions and return to a more normal way of life as soon as possible by taking responsibility for decisions that are made. ”Meaning for us and our fellow human beings.
“I want to thank everyone who helped introduce this miracle vaccine – it really was the best hour for the NHS.”
While the legal obligation to self-isolate remains in place for anyone who tests positive or has been identified as a contact by NHS Test and Trace, Mr Johnson would like fully vaccinated contacts to be excluded and the government will determine further details in due course.
Later this week, Transportation Secretary Grant Shapps will provide an update on plans to eliminate the need for fully vaccinated comers from Amber List countries for isolation, while Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will outline his plans for schools amid concerns over the effects of the bladder system.