The government will still “expect” people to wear masks in enclosed indoor spaces, but they won’t be enforced by law anymore and left entirely to personal responsibility, officials said this weekend.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to confirm at a press conference on Monday evening that almost all the coronavirus restrictions of the past few months will be lifted – including the requirement to wear face coverings to protect others.
Ahead of the announcement, vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News on Sunday that the planned lifting would go ahead despite a surge in cases, and that guidance from the PM would say people should continue to wear masks in crowded spaces even after the legal requirement to do so ends.
“I think it is important that we remain cautious and careful and the guidelines that we will set out will demonstrate that – including guidelines that people are expected to wear masks in indoor, enclosed spaces,” Mr Zahawi said.
On Monday morning health minister Edward Argar told BBC Radio 4 the move would not lead to confusion over the rules, but that legal obligations and restrictions would “fall away”.
He said there would instead be “a move towards personal and corporate responsibility based on clear and strong guidance”.
“I trust in the innate sense of the British people to exercise that responsibility,” he said.
It means companies such as those running the trains would have to impose the extra restrictions themselves.
Opposition leaders have raised concerns that the changes could lead to confusion and confrontations between those refusing to wear masks going forward.
The limits on visitors to care homes will be lifted
The legal limits on people meeting indoors and outdoors will be removed
All businesses will be allowed to reopen, including night clubs
The request to work from home where possible will also be scrapped
No COVID certificate will be required to enter any venue or event – though businesses may choose to require some way to show COVID status
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!