21 June: End of England’s Covid lockdown could be delayed by one month

The government is considering delaying the lifting of England’s remaining Covid restrictions by up to four weeks, sources have told the BBC.

The final stage of lifting lockdown, originally planned to take place no earlier than 21 June, would see all legal limits on social contact removed.

It comes amid growing concern over rapidly increasing cases and the higher transmissibility of the Delta variant.

Downing Street sources emphasised that no final decision has been made yet.

Data is still being examined ahead of a final announcement scheduled for Monday, and a senior government source stressed the government was considering “options – plural” for step four of England’s roadmap.

Pushing the date back would allow the vaccination programme to take greater effect, as the rollout moves through to younger age groups.

The Times and Sun newspapers first reported that ministers were considering the delay.

It comes as key figures from the UK’s Covid vaccine programme were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The last part of ending lockdown in England would see nightclubs reopen, and an end to restrictions on performances, weddings and other life events.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has faced mounting pressure to push back the 21 June date in recent days.

The British Medical Association has joined public health officials in calling for a delay.

BMA council chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: “It’s not just about the number of hospitalisations, but also the risk to the health of large numbers of younger people, who can suffer long-term symptoms.”

Agencies