Rules on mask-wearing, social distancing and crowd limits will all be changed from July 19 – with England’s seven-month lockdown all but ending in two weeks’ time.
During a press conference on Monday evening (July 5), Boris Johnson confirmed that most of the remaining national COVID measures would be removed later this month – with evidence suggesting the vaccination programme has weakened the link between case numbers and hospitalisations.
From July 19, people will not be legally obliged to wear face coverings, but are advised to do so in busy spaces such as public transport.
The ‘1m +’ distancing guidance is also being removed.
Restaurant/pub customers will no longer have to sign in via QR codes and bar service will resume.
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Large events – including festivals – will be permitted to return in full, whilst the nightlife sector will also reopen.
“It will no longer be necessary for government to instruct people to work from home”
Boris Johnson says step four of easing Covid restrictions means there will also be “no Covid certificate required as a condition of entry to any venue or event”https://t.co/OA1zbFS9Iipic.twitter.com/JNTWQYskxG
Plans for changing isolation measures for fully vaccinated people and children will be discussed by the Health Secretary tomorrow (July 6), whilst the Transport Minister is due to give an update on international travel rules later this week.
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A final decision on these measures is set to be made on July 12.
The PM admitted the pandemic was “far from over”, but that if “we couldn’t open up in the coming weeks, when could we?”
COVID restrictions – including social distancing and face coverings – were originally due to be lifted back in June.
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However, a fresh surge in cases – attributed to the more infectious Delta strain of COVID-19 – forced the government to push back the final step on their roadmap out of lockdown.
On June 14, Johnson said a delay was necessary so that the NHS had extra time to “give crucial jabs into the arms [of those] who need them.”
The PM said the vaccine rollout has since proven “successful”, and the gap between first and second jabs for the under-40s will soon be shortened from 12 weeks to eight.
The 7-day moving average for daily COVID cases in the UK is more than 24,000 – the highest since January.
The death rate, however, has remained low.
Daily deaths from COVID-19 are currently averaging 17 per day, compared to 1,100 in the first month of 2021.
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
The Manc -
5th July 2021 
