England unlocks: What COVID rules are changing from July 19?
July 19 marks the end of most lockdown restrictions in England in 2021 - with changes being made on the legal use of masks, social distancing and mass gatherings.
England is officially lifting almost all of the remaining lockdown restrictions today as the country prepares for life without COVID curbs.
Significant changes are being made to legislation nationwide surrounding the use of face masks, social distancing, mass gatherings, and working from home.
Businesses which have been forced to close since the beginning of the pandemic – such as nightclubs – are also permitted to reopen from July 19.
The end of lockdown comes after an initial delay, which saw the government push its final roadmap step back by one month to buy more time to vaccinate higher numbers of the population.
Masks will no longer be a legal requirement in England / Image: Matteo Jorjoson via Unsplash
COVID case numbers in the UK are at their highest since January – averaging more than 42,000 per day.
As the country unlocks, experts are predicting that numbers could exceed 200,000 per day in a matter of weeks.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid is now isolating after testing positive for the virus, and whilst close contacts Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak briefly flirted with the idea of dodging isolation as a part of a pilot scheme (where they’d test every day instead of staying at home), the duo have instead decided to isolate – along with more than a half-a-million fellow Brits who have also been told to do so by track and trace.
The increasing numbers of people being infected and/or urged to quarantine has dampened spirits on what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for the country. But England’s lockdown exit is pressing on regardless – and here is everything that is set to change from today.
Note the below guidance applies to England only. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own regulations.
Are social distancing rules still in place from July 19?
Social distancing will end on July 19 / Image: Gustavo Fring via Pexels
Social distancing recommendations – such as being asked to stay 2 metres apart – are being largely removed from July 19.
This will mean more people are permitted inside venues – whether that’s bars, restaurants, cinemas or shops.
There will be no more limits on mass gatherings or meeting others, either.
Social distancing rules will remain in place in certain settings – such as hospitals and airports.
Rules for masks, too, are a little bit more complicated. The government has removed the legal requirement to wear face coverings in most places, but has advised people to continue doing so in crowded areas.
On some forms of public transport – like the Greater Manchester Metrolink – face masks remain compulsory beyond July 19.
More information on face mask rules in Manchester can be found here.
Can I order from the bar after July 19?
No masks or table service will be required in pubs after the end of lockdown / Image: ELEVATE via Pexels
Yes – bar service is back.
Table ordering in the hospitality sector is no longer mandatory, so punters can head back to the bar and order drinks just like in the old days.
Customers will no longer have to download an app or sign in at venues, either.
When are nightclubs opening again? Are festivals allowed after July 19?
After 16 months of closures, nightclubs are finally allowed to reopen on July 19.
Festivals, too, can proceed as normal.
Mass events such as these may ask people to provide proof of vaccination via the NHS COVID Pass app – upon entry, but this is not a legal requirement.
Can weddings go ahead without restrictions from July 19?
Neither weddings or funerals will have any limits imposed on them after July 19.
Both these types of gatherings can proceed without restrictions on attendances or venue.
Can crowds return to stadiums?
Yes.
All stadiums – be it sport or music grounds – can operate at maximum capacity once again from July 19.
Should I still work from home?
The government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can.
Ministers have said they “would expect and recommend a gradual return” to the workplace over the summer.
Can I go on holiday again from July 19?
Rules on flying vary depending on where you’re travelling / Image: Pixabay
Travel requirements will continue to vary depending on destinations.
In most cases, testing will be required at some stage.
Countries on the green list will have the fewest travel restrictions.
From July 19, passengers coming back to England from nations on the amber list will no longer have to quarantine for 10 days if they have been fully vaccinated. Visitors from France, however, will still need to self-isolate regardless of their vaccine status.
Any passengers travelling from countries on the red list will still have to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days after July 19.
Masks will still be required on many flights.
For more information on travel rules, visit the Gov UK website.
Featured image: SnappyGoat
News
Mayor Andy Burnham promises Greater Manchester will honour Ricky Hatton ‘properly’
Danny Jones
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has promised that the city and wider boroughs have plans to honour Ricky Hatton MBE following his passing this weekend.
Hatton, just 46, sadly passed away this Sunday, 14 September, with the region left shocked by the sudden and tragic news.
“He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes”, writes Burnham, adding: “He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly.”
There seems to be a clear intimation that at least one or more public tributes will be carried out at the earliest opportunity.
Locals and ‘Hitman’ fans alike have been leaving flowers, wreaths and other personal tributes outside his address in Tameside as well as his gym in Hyde.
The minute’s appreciation before the 197th Manchester derby also saw his friend, fellow die-hard Blue and City Square fan zone presenter, Danny Jackson, deliver a touching speech before applause rang out around the stadium, with the Man City manager himself looking visibly moved by the moment.
Pep Guardiola is one of many members around the club, both past and present, to have offered their condolences.
His nephew Jack Hatton has now posted on social media too, saying simply: “I love you so much Uncle Rick. I will always remember all you have done for me and the great times we had together I love you so so much I’m going to do all I can to make you proud.”
énergie Fitness Hyde, home to his well-known gym and popular community outlet, have also shared a statement online, writing: “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals.
“His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted.
“We send our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. As a mark of respect, the gym will be closed for the rest of the day. Rest in Peace, Ricky.” Since then, his family have now shared their own statement in full via GMP.
Asking for privacy during this difficult time, they wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather,and brother, and a true friend to many.
#TRIBUTE | The family of Ricky Hatton have paid tribute to him following his death at the weekend.
They have asked for their privacy as they grieve the man 'who had a heart as big as his smile.'
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”
Manchester City dedicate derby win to late and beloved boxing blue, Ricky Hatton
Danny Jones
Manchester City players past and present, club members and fans alike have paid tribute to the late, great boxer, Ricky Hatton MBE, following his shock passing this weekend, honouring him with a fitting derby day win.
Safe to say there’ll be a blue moon all over Greater Manchester this week.
The tragic news about Ricky Hattonwas sadly announced just hours before the 197th Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 14 September, with the entire ground observing a ‘minute of appreciation’ before kick-off.
Manager Pep Guardiola looked visibly emotional when the camera panned to him applauding his memory in the crowd, and there were plenty of other tributes to ‘The Pride Hyde’ spotted both the home and away ends, with several famous City faces taking to social media after full-time to share their own.
Our pre match display funded as ever by you the fans. We’re planning a Ricky Hatton tribute for Burnley. pic.twitter.com/l67gyyjSTK
Perhaps one of the most moving tributes came from Guardiola himself, who has always immersed himself in local Manc culture beyond just football, so it was no surprise he felt the sorrow in the stands.
Speaking to the media in his post-match duties, the Catalan coach and former athlete himself said: “I’ve been here for ten years, [seen/heard] a lot of minute [silences/applauses], and I don’t remember one so, so intense like today.
“I want to say thank you so much to the Man United fans because they behaved and applauded. I know he was a World Champion in boxing. It was a special, special moment. There are no words that can contain the pain that the family can feel right now for this loss, but we are close.
“I know how much of an incredible Man City fan [he was]. He lived the bad moments and the good moments in the last 10/15 years. I know for the fans how close he was [held]. The moment of applause was unbelievable.
“It was an experience I will always remember because I felt in every applause of every person in the stadium the gratitude for what he has done professionally and being a massive, massive City fan.”
Once again, he wasn’t the only familiar sports personality, blue or otherwise, who made it known how much he was admired by those in and around the region of Greater Manchester.
Both Manchester United legend Roy Keane and ex-Man City defender Micah Richards joined the Sky Sports panel in discussing his legacy as a local sporting icon.
Rest in peace to a legend and a mental health hero.
Everyone involved paid tribute to Ricky Hatton as City claimed the win over United.
Such a sad day for combat sports. Sad day for Great Britain. Sad day for Manchester. I remember as a young boy staying up late to watch his legendary career. The original people’s champion, one of us. Rest in peace Ricky Hatton 💔 pic.twitter.com/2phiyCEneM