But many will read this...
Ahead of the final step, the Government will review of the measures put in place to limit the spread of the virus. Depending on the results of the review, the Government hopes to lift measures and return to as close to normal as possible:
- Lockdown will be lifted and all legal limits on social contact removed.
- Nightclubs would be expected to reopen, and restrictions on large events like weddings and performances would be lifted.
the above does not equal....
all restrictions removed and back to 'normal'
I want the country to be back to normal, and I want it now. But, the Government’s COVID delivery plan said the following, when it was published in February; I’ve highlighted a few words which clearly show that even back then, June 21st was not expected to be back to normal.
126. Step 4 will take place no earlier than 21 June, and at least five weeks after Step 3, following a further review of the data against the four tests. As before, the Government will announce one week in advance whether restrictions will be eased as planned.
127. With appropriate mitigations in place, by Step 4, the Government aims to:
a. Remove all legal limits on social contact, publishing accompanying guidance on how best to reduce the risk of transmission and protect ourselves and loved ones;
b. Reopen the remaining closed settings, including nightclubs and enable large events, including theatre performances, above the Step 3 capacity restrictions, subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme (set out in paragraphs 132 to 134) and potentially using testing to reduce the risk of infection, subject to further evaluation; and
c. Remove all limits on weddings and other life events, subject to the outcome of the scientific Events Research Programme.