Previously we reported that the government had made a difficult decision not to move ahead with Step 4. Instead, there was a pause at step 4 for up to four weeks, until 19 July 2021, with a review of the data after two weeks. The article can be accessed here: https://valonline.org.uk/pause-at-step-3-of-the-covid-19-response-spring-2021-roadmap/
The review of data after two weeks has just been completed and the oral statement just published explains the outcome of this.
Sajid Javid was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on 26 June 2021. In his speech to parliament on 28 June 2021 he states :
“So Mr Deputy Speaker, at this 2-week review point, I want to update the House on our progress to our roadmap to freedom.
Mr Deputy Speaker, our aim is that around two-thirds of all adults in this country will have had both doses by 19 July. We’re bringing forward second doses, and bringing forward our target for first doses too, so we can meet that 19 July goal. Vaccine uptake remains sky high. We’ve seen that age is no barrier for enthusiasm for getting the jab.”
He then went on to say:
“Finally Mr Deputy Speaker, we continue to see a rise in hospitalisations – although in line with the kinds of numbers we had anticipated at this point on our roadmap. The number of people needing hospital treatment for COVID-19 has doubled since the start of May. And whilst we decided not to bring forward step 4, we see no reason to go beyond 19 July. Because in truth: no date we choose comes with zero-risk for COVID. We know we cannot simply eliminate it – we have to learn to live with it. We also know that people and businesses need certainty. So we want every step to be irreversible. And make no mistake, Mr Deputy Speaker: the restrictions to our freedoms must come to an end.”
The full statement can be accessed here.
In the period up to 19 July 2021 restrictions remain in place.
The government guidance (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do was updated on 28 June 2021 to include revisions to the translated versions.
Local VCSE organisations supporting local communities with health and wellbeing may want to update and share the appropriate version of the guidance with their beneficiaries.