Boris Johnson is expected to trigger Step Four of the “unlocking” roadmap tonight, while admitting Covid cases will soar and issuing mixed messages on masks.
At a Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister is set to defy warnings and order the latest stage of lockdown relaxations so Freedom Day can go ahead next Monday.
The Government is to scrap the rule that masks must be worn in busy indoor venues and on public transport – but ask people to keep wearing them anyway.
Mr Johnson said last night: “We are tantalisingly close... but the plan to restore our freedoms must come with a warning.
“Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear – caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility.”
Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “The very clear guidelines will be that you’re expected to wear a mask.
“But it’s not government by diktat.”
An Opinium/Observer poll found 73% of people believe wearing masks on public transport should continue.
Public Health England’s Covid-19 incident director, Prof Susan Hopkins, said: “I would strongly advise that we continue to wear masks indoors. I would also advise them on public transport... you don’t have any idea who you’re in contact with.”
Research by Public Health England and Cambridge University shows vaccines have prevented 8.5 million cases and 30,000 deaths in England, No 10 said.
But figures showed cases up by 27.3% in a week, with 31,772 infections and 26 deaths yesterday.
Some scientists fear there will soon be 100,000 daily infections. Cambridge University statistician Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter said yesterday: “Unless tomorrow an immediate lockdown is announced – which I think is pretty unlikely – there’s bound to be a big wave of cases coming up.
“It was predictable right from the start of the roadmap announcement back in February... 100,000 a day is quite possible, and relaxing everything at once on July 19 will only make that more likely.”
Work-from-home guidance is also due to be axed next week but Prof Hopkins advised continuing if possible.
Mr Zahawi confirmed the NHS Test and Trace app might be made less sensitive.
He added people who were pinged might be told to take a lateral flow test daily for five days instead of isolating.
