Good news for those in the UK! Clubs are going to reopen fully, without restrictions, on July 19. Official confirmation is to take place on July 12, after reviewing current data.
The Delta variant continues to spread, raising some skepticism and alarm for a full reopening. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that he is confident the process will start on July 12. Government officials are targeting a summer reopening rather than a fall or winter one due to cold weather.
He’s been confident in a July 19 reopening for quite a while. Last month, he noted:
“Looking at where we are, looking at the efficacy of the vaccines against all variants that we can currently see, I think it’s looking good for July 19 to be that terminus point. I think what the scientists are saying is that things like flu will come back this winter. We may have a rough winter for all sorts of reasons, and obviously, there are big pressures on the NHS”.
Boris Johnson
What Will Change In the UK?
Moreover, assuming the process starts the 19, wearing masks, social distancing, and limiting large group gatherings will also no longer be necessary starting on the 12. It will also be optional to sign in using the UK’s NHS app when at a venue. While no longer required, NHS officials recommend it in order to keep up with contact tracing.
But, will venues require proof of vaccination? Michael Gove, the Cabinet minister noted recently that requiring proof would be ‘too much hassle‘. It seems pretty unlikely. Boris Johnson confirmed that once reopening takes place:
- [no] limits on attendance at weddings and funerals
- table service rules at bars and restaurants and venue check-in requirements will be scrapped
- limits on named care home visitors will be lifted
- council powers to enforce rules will expire
- large-scale events will not legally require certification
Everyone is still waiting for the official July 12 confirmation, but it looks like Boris is still confident. Stay tuned for more updates.