Restrictions on the nightlife and travel sectors are expected to ease when England finally exits lockdown on July 19 – but advocacy of mask-wearing and social distancing may continue for several months.
The nation is running four weeks behind schedule in its bid to lift remaining measures – with ‘Freedom Day’ delayed by the emergence of a Delta variant which has sent cases spiking to their highest levels in months.
COVID rates have now returned to February levels – with (7-day rolling) average cases per day now above 11,000.
Ministers are reviewing travel restrictions following industry pressure (including a mass protest at Manchester Airport this week) – with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps set to provide an update to MPs on Thursday (June 24).
The hospitality sector is also urging the government to rapidly rethink COVID rules – with some venues reportedly losing money by staying open due to limits on indoor capacity.
ADVERTISEMENT
But whilst these sectors continue to push for change ahead of the big reopening date in July, it appears that social distancing and masks may remain in place in England beyond the end of lockdown – even if they are only advised rather than required.
Mask-wearing may shift from a rule to a recommendation / Image: Unsplash
Ministers have been making all the right noises regarding July 19 reopening, with the Prime Minister and Health Secretary seemingly satisfied with the present data.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, according to The Telegraph, social distancing and face masks will continue to be recommended through summer and beyond.
The newspaper claims that laws underpinning face covering and social distancing rules are due to be lifted in time for July 19 but “advice to Britons to that effect is set to remain in place”.
It is expected, however, that the Rule of Six – which limits indoor gatherings to half a dozen people – and table service in bars/restaurants will be scrapped, giving hospitality venues the ability to welcome more customers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mask-wearing may continue beyond July 19 / Image: ismail mohamed via Unsplash
Some experts have emphasised that measures such as hand-washing, distancing and face masks are all necessary to keep the virus at low levels.
Mary Ramsay, the head of immunisation at Public Health England, previously stated that some measures may last “years” and that it was worth waiting “until other parts of the world are as well vaccinated” as England to stop using masks.
Sadiq Khan has also expressed concern for dropping the use of masks, with a spokesperson for the London Mayor telling the Evening Standard: “Evidence shows that the wearing of face masks gives many Londoners the confidence that they can travel safely on public transport.
“People feeling confident they can travel on our tubes, buses and trains as they get busier will be a vital part of encouraging more people into central London as restrictions are lifted further, and it is something that we will continue to look at closely.”
The 2027 World Climbing Series is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
In yet more huge sporting news for Greater Manchester, the 2027 World Climbing Series is coming to 0161 later this year.
We’ve had plenty of big peaks of late, but things seem to just keep going up and up.
Set to host the global event for the first time in our history, Manchester will welcome the World Climbing Series (WCS), which is set to include both Olympic and Paralympic disciplines ahead of the next Summer Games in 2028.
2027 will mark the 38th edition of the series, which will also be one of only a handful to be held in the North – it’s just down to our city to make it the best.
Officially announced on Friday, 16 January, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) confirmed the return to the UK.
Founded back in 1989, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) is coming up on four decades since the competition first began – Leeds being chosen as the inaugural hosts – the event has come a long way since then.
The IFSC’s rebranding of the annual bouldering, lead and speed trials to the modern WSC, which began last year, was initially revealed back in 2023.
Welcoming continental talent right down to the youth level, the upcoming 2026 World Climbing Series is taking place in the summer and will be hosted by the city of Innsbruck in Austria.
As for the WSC’s Manchester debut, which is being organised in collaboration with the City Council, Manchester Accommodation BID, MCR Active and the National Lottery via UK Sport investment.
It’s not the only big sporting celebration that the Council will be supporting in 2027.
Paul Ratcliffe, CEO of the British Mountaineering Council, said in an official statement: “It’s exciting to be able to confirm that a World Series climbing event will return to the UK in 2027 as part of the BMC’s major event programme.
“Hosting a competition of this scale in Manchester is a strong statement about the UK’s place on the international climbing stage and a great opportunity for our athletes, fans, the climbing community and the wider public to experience the sport at the very highest level.
“Our ‘Route to Adventure’ strategy sets out how we will build on moments like this to support people into climbing and help them progress, whatever their starting point. Using major events to inspire participation, strengthen pathways and reinforce our commitment to inclusion is central to our long-term approach.”
Scheduled to take place in June, you can find out more information about the 2027 World Climbing Series in Manchester by signing up for the official event mailing list HERE.
The Tour de France is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Greater Manchester and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s another big sporting landmark for us Mancs.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race and the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be passing through our region next summer.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
With Greater Manchester boasting not only the National Cycling Centre, but having already hosted the Tour of Britain – which has passed through Altrincham on multiple ocassions – we’re well-versed when it comes to the sport.
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
Not only are we buzzing that the racing will be returning to our friends in Leeds and Sheffield, but also nice to see other Northern regions lending their roads and stunning landscapes, such as the Lake District and wider parts of Cumbria.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
“Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
The Manc -
24th June 2021 
