Yesterday the Prime Minister announced a pause to step four of the Roadmap out of lockdown by four weeks, as Delta variant which is now spreading faster than the third wave predicted in the February, has seen cases growing by about 64 per cent per week and in the worst affected areas it is doubling every week. The average number of people being admitted to hospital in England has increased by 50 per cent week on week, and by 61 per cent in the North West.
To give the NHS that extra time, the Government is holding off the Stage 4 openings until 19 July and will now accelerate the second jabs for those over 40 - just as for the vulnerable groups - so they get maximum protection as fast as possible. Bring forward the target to give every adult in this country a first dose by 19 July, that is including young people over the age of 18, with 23 and 24 year olds invited to book jabs from today - reducing the risk of transmission among groups that mix the most.
Maria said, “Through enormous efforts of the British people and the vaccine roll-out the UK has one of the most open economies and societies in this part of the world. However, as the UK is not meeting all four tests for proceeding with step four of the roadmap, the Government has delayed taking Step 4 until 19 July to give the NHS a few more crucial weeks to continue vaccinating those who need it most.
In Hampshire many 23 and 24 year olds already have appointments & are getting the jab. Book your appointment as soon as you get your call-vaccination is the way for the whole country to move forward out of COVID restrictions.”
The ongoing success of the vaccine rollout means some more cautious steps can be taken – including removing the 30 person limit on weddings and wakes, removing the requirement for care home residents to isolate for 14 days after visits out, and allowing major sporting events – including the final four UEFA Euro 2020 matches at Wembley and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships to go ahead with greater capacities.
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place across the country, including for people who have been vaccinated.
In England:
You can meet indoors in a group of up to 6 people or a group of any size from 2 households
You can meet outside in a group of up to 30 people
Work from home if you can and travel safely
If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home
Find out the rules on what you can and cannot do
