Most Covid guidance and legal restrictions will be lifted in England on 19 July, the government has confirmed.
What will change in England on 19 July?
Social distancing
- No limits on how many people can meet
- 1m-plus rule removed (except in some places like hospitals, or before passport control when entering the country)
- Face coverings no longer required by law
Events and gatherings
- Nightclubs can open
- Pubs and restaurants no longer table-service only
- No limits on guests at weddings and funerals
- No limits on people attending concerts, theatres or sports events
- No restrictions on communal worship
Travel
- Guidance recommending against travel to amber countries removed
- Adults fully vaccinated in the UK will no longer have to quarantine for 10 days after returning from amber-list countries
- Under-18s won’t need to quarantine
Other changes
- Limits on visitors to care homes will be removed
- On 16 August most Covid restrictions in schools – including “bubbles” – will come to an end, ahead of the autumn term.
- From the same date, double-vaccinated adults may not need to self-isolate if they come into contact with someone who tests positive. However, it will remain a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid.
What guidance will remain in place in England?
- People should meet others outside where possible
- It is “expected and recommended” that people should wear face coverings (unless exempt) in crowded public settings such as public transport
- Businesses such as nightclubs – and large events – will also be encouraged to use Covid-certification in “high risk settings”.
- People working from home will be encouraged to return to the workplace gradually.
A review will take place in September to assess how prepared the country is for autumn and winter.