Proposals to drop face masks and social distancing from 19 July

England is set to remove its remaining lockdown restrictions – including masks and social distancing – on 19 July, according to reports.

The Government is expected to confirm next week that 5 July is too early to lift the measures, despite the positive data, because ministers want to ensure that more people have received their second jabs.

But Boris Johnson is said to be increasingly optimistic that all remaining restrictions can be eased on 19 July.

A source told The Times that ministers want to “get as close to normal as possible” on 19 July and that the emphasis will be on “personal responsibility” rather than laws.

The requirement to wear facemasks on public transport and in shops could be replaced with guidance advising people to wear masks in certain circumstances, rather than compelling them.

In a huge boost for the events industry, the newspaper reports that as long as current trends continue, the one metre-plus social distancing rule and the “rule of six” on indoor gatherings could also be lifted, along with the limit on mass gatherings outdoors and the ban on nightclubs.

Work from home guidance is also expected to be dropped – leaving it up to employers and individuals to decide the best way forward.

It comes after a leaked report by the government’s Events Research Programme warned that the events industry will be devastated by huge losses if even the most minimal coronavirus restrictions remain beyond 19 July.

Politico obtained a series of documents that lay bare the stark consequences for businesses if face masks and other “non-pharmaceutical interventions” continue in Step 4 of the PM’s roadmap, as some government scientists have been advising. 

According to the report, the events industry would average a turnover of just 69 per cent of its 2019 level if the restrictions were continued.

This week, the PM stressed that the data for the new 19 July ‘Freedom Day’ was “looking good” but refused to rule out further lockdowns if necessary.

His comments followed those of health secretary Matt Hancock, who last week told MPs that the lifting of restrictions would not be delayed beyond 19 July – and that face mask laws for public transport would be scrapped after that.