England takes leap into the unknown, lifting Covid rules as cases surge
LONDON — England took a step into the unknown on Monday, lifting nearly all remaining restrictions on public life at a time when coronavirus infections are high and rising.
There are no more limits on indoor gathering. Also, nightclubs can reopen, the 1-meter social distancing rule has been removed and masks have become largely voluntary, although some airlines and transport companies have said they will retain mask requirements.
In essence, the majority of legal restrictions have now been lifted and replaced with an emphasis on personal responsibility as infections continue to rise.
There was no mention of "Freedom Day," as July 19 had previously been dubbed. Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged caution as the country moved to "Step 4" of its road map of lifting restrictions.
"Please, please, please be cautious. Go forward tomorrow into the next step with all the right prudence and respect for other people and the risks that the disease continues to present," Johnson said in a statement Sunday night.
