PM announces further easing
LOCAL AUTHORITIES will get more control over locking down their areas as Boris Johnson said the Government would stop telling people to work from home.
In a further easing of lockdown restrictions across the country, the Prime Minister said from August 1, it will be up to employers whether they believe it is safer for their employees to continue to work from home or are able to return to the office.
And he said everyone is now free to use public transport, albeit using a mask.
Mr Johnson said local lockdowns can now be used to control Covid-19 in future.
Speaking at a Downing Street press briefing, he said: “At the start of the pandemic, we knew far less about the spread of the virus and we had to take blanket national measures.
“National lockdown was undoubtedly the right thing to do and has saved many thousands of lives.
“Now, however, we know more about the virus, we understand the epidemiology better and our intelligence about where it is spreading is vastly improved.”
He said: “Local authorities will have new powers in their areas. They will be able to close specific premises, shut public outdoor spaces and cancel events.
“These powers will enable local authorities to act more quickly in response to outbreaks.”
He also announced an extra £3bn for the NHS this winter.
He said he hoped for a “more significant return to normality by November”, as he announced further reopening of the economy. “From August 1, we will reopen most remaining leisure settings, namely bowling, skating rings, casinos and we will enable close contact services, beauticians to resume.”
“Nightclubs, soft play areas – sadly – need to remain closed for now, although this will be kept under review.
“We will restart indoor performances to a live audience, subject to the success of pilots, and we will also pilot larger gatherings in venues like sport stadia, with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn.
“We will also allow wedding receptions for up to 30 people.”
He added: “It is my strong and sincere hope that we will be able to review the outstanding restrictions and allow a more significant return to normality from November, at the earliest, possibly in time for Christmas.”
“Local authorities will have new powers in their areas.”
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