England enters Step 4 of roadmap out of lockdown

England entered Step 4 of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown this morning.

This means that nearly all legal restrictions surrounding social distancing have been removed.

The changes are as follows:

• Face masks are now voluntary, however the government is still advising people to wear them in crowded spaces such as on public transport.
• All businesses that had been closed can now open, including nightclubs, with no limits on capacity.
• There is no longer the requirement to scan a QR code when entering venues.
• From August 16, those who have been fully vaccinated will no longer have to self-isolate when they come into close contact with COVID-19. The only caveat is that they must allow two weeks from the date of the second jab before exemption. If someone tests positive they will still need to self-isolate.
• The work from home requirement has been dropped, with businesses advised to have workers return gradually over the summer.
• From August 16, the school bubble system will be scrapped.

Lockdown rules and restrictions differ in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.