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PM to outline end of mandatory mask, social distancing rules
England is set to end mandatory social distancing and mask wearing this month as the government finalises the roadmap out of Covid-19 lockdown.
PM Boris Johnson is expected to hold a press briefing today laying out the final plans and timeline.
Downing Street said the briefing will explain how the plans will ‘restore people’s freedoms.’
Mask wearing and social distancing is expected to be downgraded to a voluntary basis, and not compulsory in shops and public transport.
Large-scale events including festivals will also reportedly be permitted.
Confirmation of the ‘Freedom Day’ end to restrictions is still expected on 12 July.
The end of compulsory masks and social distancing are expected to kick in from Freedom Day.
There have been calls to keep compulsory mask wearing for public transport.
"I struggle to see how ministers can drop the requirement to wear masks on public transport without causing real problems for some people who are dependent on it," said Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham.
"Those more vulnerable to infection or anxious about it will be put in a very unfair position."
It comes as the UK reported almost 25,000 new Covid cases on Sunday.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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