Monday 19 July 2021 marks the fourth and final step in the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown with most restrictions set to be lifted. Boris Johnson informed the public of this decision in his press conference yesterday afternoon.
COVID-19 Update | Rosenblatt’s Financial Crime Team
Despite 19 July offering many hope that normality will return, the Prime Minister has played down the idea of a “freedom day” and encouraged people to exercise “extreme caution” as “this pandemic is not over.” He added that the easing of these restrictions “should not be taken as an invitation by everybody simply to have a great jubilee and freedom from any kind of caution or restraint“.
Whilst the World Health Organisation noted this morning that the world is nowhere near through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and has told the UK “it’s too early for massive relaxation.”
The new position from Monday 19 July is as follows:
Return to Work
The Government have now lifted the order that we should work from home, however, they have requested that employers do not send their staff back to the office en masse from next week. Instead, businesses are being asked to stagger office returns throughout the summer.
It is expected that in the next few days six guidance notes will be published advising businesses on the health and safety requirements that will be expected of them throughout this period. This includes improving ventilation and ensuring sick workers remain at home. The Government have also warned that this guidance could be strengthened in September 2021 if it proves inadequate.
Although Boris Johnson appears optimistic about city centres bouncing back from the pandemic many companies are already putting in place hybrid working policies and intend to incorporate flexible working into the future operation of their businesses.
Face Masks
The legal requirement to wear face masks in public will end on Monday but the expectation remains largely unchanged.
The Government have said that they would recommend face masks be worn in enclosed and crowded spaces, on buses and trains, and indoors where there is poor ventilation. However, masks will not be required in nightclubs despite being deemed as ‘high risk’ as venues will be encouraged to roll out other mitigations such as COVID-status certification.
Limiting Social Contacts
All legal caps on gatherings and the one-metre plus rule will fall away from Monday however, the Government is continuing to ask members of the public to continue “minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts“.
It is recommended that people should cut down on seeing friends and family at social gatherings until case rates begin to fall later this summer. Although, this guidance is not legally binding it is likely to cause frustration amongst many as they gear up for social gatherings this summer after almost 18 months of restrictions.
Clinically Vulnerable
The clinically vulnerable will be asked to follow the same rules as everyone else but to consider additional precautions. People that fall within this category are encouraged to meet people outdoors, avoid those who are not fully vaccinated and continue social distancing if that feels appropriate.
COVID Passports
Nightclubs and music venues have been closed since March last year and are now permitted to reopen on Monday, however they will be asked to use COVID-status certification as a basis of entry. In these environments people are likely to be in close proximity to others outside of their household.
This COVID-status certification will not be mandatory from Monday, but the Government have warned that if necessary to limit infection rates they will consider mandating the NHS Covid Pass in certain venues at a later date.
To gain entry to venues choosing to go down the certification route, individuals will be required to show proof of having been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior, evidence of a negative lateral flow test in the past two days, or a positive PCR test in the past six months to confirm a level of immunity to COVID-19.
In light of the updated guidance, individuals and companies should continue to exercise caution to prevent further transmission as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.
Rosenblatt can help
Rosenblatt has a wealth of experience in criminal law and is uniquely placed to support client’s crime needs during these unprecedented times, consistently ensuring a familiarity with the ever-changing Government guidance on COVID-19.
https://www.rosenblatt-law.co.uk/services/financial-crime/#financial-crime
Authors
Frances Murray, Senior Associate
Emily Russell, Trainee Solicitor
