What are the Covid lockdown rules for pubs and restaurants after July 19?
Masks and social distancing could be scrapped in pubs and restaurants on July 19 as Boris Johnson is set to announce the end of the roadmap. In a press conference on Monday (July 5), the Prime Minister will detail what life will look like post-restrictions, including people potentially being able to order at the bar. The PM will also announce the end of table service. Pubs and restaurants in England are open for business indoors as part of step three of the government's 'roadmap' out of lockdown. Boris Johnson formally signed off the return of indoor socialising and dining at a Downing Street press conference that took place on May 10, with reopenings taking place on May 17. Six people or two households are able to mix inside at hospitality venues, and up to 30 people can meet outdoors. These limits have continued for longer than expected after the much-heralded freedom day scheduled for June 21 was pushed back to July 19. Downing Streets argument for the extension was that it buys the country more time to both monitor the delta variant  first found in India  and, crucially, deliver millions more doses of the vaccine. The Prime Minister will make an announcement today to confirm the details of July 19. Government ministers have revealed face masks will no longer be legally mandated after that date and their use will instead be a voluntary decision made by the individual. Here is all you need to know now that indoor hospitality has reopened in England.