What would it mean if Englands June 21 freedom day is delayed?
Something went wrong - please try again later. Thank you for signing up to The Press and Journal newsletter. Sign up for our daily newsletter featuring the top stories from The Press and Journal. Rising numbers of coronavirus cases and the emergence of the new, more transmissible Delta variant have put the final stage of lockdown easing in England in jeopardy. Here the PA news agency looks at what might happen if Step 4 of the Government road map is delayed. According to the Government road map out of lockdown, Step 4  due to take place on June 21  would see all legal limits on social contact removed. Revellers at a Liverpool nightclub for a Covid safety pilot event in April (Richard McCarthy/PA)  It is hoped that the last handful of indoor venues that remain closed, including nightclubs, would reopen and restrictions on large events and performances would cease to apply. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the emergence of the Indian variant  also known as the Delta variant and found to be 40% more transmissible than the Kent strain  has made the calculation on whether to proceed with unlocking more difficult. Scientists have also suggested that steadily rising numbers of people in hospitals should also delay the final stage of restriction easing. Downing Street has said the data emerging over the coming week will be crucial in deciding whether the remaining restrictions can end. It has been reported that Boris Johnson is considering delaying freedom day by at least two weeks in order to allow more people to be fully vaccinated against the Delta variant. (PA Graphics)  Mr Hancock also implied that some measures may remain in place after June 21. This could include further working from home, social distancing in bars and restaurants and mask wearing. If the Government decides not to proceed with Step 4 of the road map, some indoor venues such as nightclubs would not be allowed to reopen as planned. Limits on audiences in theatres and cinemas may also remain in place. Hospitality sector bosses have warned that delaying freedom day would push many struggling businesses closer to the cliff edge. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, said: The ongoing uncertainty around the road map is causing significant distress to hospitality businesses and operators. A quiet high street in Guildford (Adam Davy/PA)  It is crucial that the Government commits to dropping the restrictions on June 21. The Government pushed ahead with Step 3 of the road map on May 17, meaning most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors were dropped. People are allowed to meet others inside too, though the rule of six or two households still applies. Inside dining returned in restaurants and customers are no longer required to purchase substantial meals with alcoholic drinks, nor to stick to a curfew. Gyms reopened and certain larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues were allowed to resume. Up to 30 people are able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. Thank you for keeping Wales safe. Today were able to relax coronavirus restrictions, allowing more people to meet outdoors. We are monitoring cases and if the public health situation allows, we will relax restrictions again on 21 June. Key dates here  pic.twitter.com/uqGQ4FpUIk  Welsh Government #KeepWalesSafe (@WelshGovernment) June 7, 2021  As of Monday in Wales, groups of up to 30 people can meet outdoors, including in private gardens, while up to three households will be able to meet indoors. The Welsh Government is yet to give a date for the reopening of larger venues providing live performances or for events such as outdoor music festivals. Plans to ease lockdown restrictions in much of Scotland have been paused, but the rules in Glasgow, which remained at Level 3 for longer, were relaxed on Saturday. Restaurants, cafes, bars and other hospitality venues in Northern Ireland can operate indoors, with six people allowed to sit together from unlimited households with table service only.