Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirms easing of coronavirus pandemic restrictions on July 19

In a briefing tonight (Monday), the Prime Minister confirmed that most pandemic restrictions are to be axed next week, although the government is now urging caution over ditching face masks.

Last week, the government suggested that the legal requirement to wear face masks indoors could be scrapped from July 19, as the UK moved to Step 4 of the plan to ease lockdown restrictions.

In the latest briefing, Boris Johnson did not back down from this line, although it was suggested that members of the public should continue to wear them in crowded indoor settings.

He also indicated, however, that the British public should expect a rise in the number of cases as restrictions are eased.

Meanwhile, limits on the number of people inside and outside public and private venues are to be lifted, and social distancing restrictions are to be abolished for pubs and restaurants.

School bubbles, as well as restrictions on named visitors at care homes, will be phased out.