Step 4 paused due to Delta Variant:
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference on Monday 14 June 2021 explaining that Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown will now be paused. The roadmap was published in February 2021 explaining step 4 would be no sooner than June 2021 provided all four tests are met. In his statement, the Prime Minster, explained that the government was “concerned by the Delta variant that is now spreading faster” and that “We’re seeing cases growing by about 64 per cent per week”. These figures combined with the average number of people being admitted to hospital in England increasing by 50 per cent week on week has led to increased caution until more of the population is vaccinated.
Data published by Public Health England (PHE) show that by far the number of Delta Variant COVID-19 cases requiring hospital administration are for those who are unvaccinated.
Review in 2 weeks
The government aims to reach step 4 by 19 July, by which time approximately 2/3 of the Adult population will have both jabs and Adults between 18 & 23 will have their first. The roadmap will be reviewed in 2 weeks and if the government concludes that the risk has diminished, they reserve the possibility of proceeding to Step 4 and full opening sooner. If the data rapidly improves, this could be brought forward to 5 July.
The governments four tests are:
- The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
- Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
- Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
- Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern
Weddings
The limit on 30 guests for weddings has now been removed, provided social distancing measures remains in place. The same also applies to wakes.
Pilot events
The government are continuing with its pilot events such as Euro 2020 and some theatrical performances. The purpose of these pilots is to allow researchers to gather evidence associated with different settings and approaches to managing and mitigating transmission risk. The pilots will explore how different approaches to social distancing, ventilation and test-on-entry protocols could ease opening and maximise participation.
Book your vaccination
If you have not already received a letter or communication from your doctor, you can book your appointment online by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination