England is "tantalisingly close" to lifting all remaining coronavirus restrictions, Boris Johnson has said, as he is expected to push ahead with the next stage of unlocking.
The Prime Minister will host a press conference at Downing Street this afternoon when he is expected to say the country can move to Step 4 of the plan to lift measures on July 19, including ending the legal requirement to wear masks.
But he will also warn cases will rise as rules designed to suppress the coronavirus are removed.
Mr Johnson will host a press conference after Health Secretary Sajid Javid announces the plans in Parliament.
Downing Street said the unlocking would be based on four tests – the success of the vaccine rollout, evidence that the vaccine is causing a reduction in hospital admissions and deaths, that infection rates do not risk a surge in admissions, and that no new variants of concern throw progress off track.
The PM said: “We are tantalisingly close to the final milestone in our road map out of lockdown, but the plan to restore our freedoms must come with a warning.
“While the phenomenal vaccine rollout has offered every adult some protection against the virus, and the crucial link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths is weakened, the global pandemic is not over yet.
“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 so we don’t undo our progress, ensuring we continue to protect our NHS.”
The PM is expected to make his address between 5pm-5.30pm.
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