The U.K. government will not move forward with plans to lift COVID-19 restrictions imposed on bars, nightclubs and restaurants on June 21st. Step 4 of the reopening timeline announced in February is now tentatively set for July 19th.
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson broke the news in a Monday press conference. He touched on the recently identified Delta variant of the virus, explaining that it’s likely responsible for a 64% increase in cases per week.
“And so we have faced a very difficult choice,” he said. “We can simply keep going with all of step 4 on June 21st even though there is a real possibility that the virus will outrun the vaccines and that thousands more deaths would ensue that could otherwise have been avoided.”
“Or else we can give our NHS a few more crucial weeks to get those remaining jabs into the arms of those who need them,” he continued. “And since today I cannot say that we have met all four tests for proceeding with step four, I do think it is sensible to wait just a little longer.”
Johnson said that the extra time will allow NHS to vaccinate two thirds of the adult population, including everyone under 50 and all those under 40 who received their first shot by mid-May. By the same date, he also intends to give every willing adult in the country their first shot.
Innumerable bars, nightclubs and venues throughout the U.K. had planned grand reopening events to coincide with June 21st. The Night Time Industries Association, who last week said they would legally “challenge” such a delay, estimate that 54% of establishments have ordered stock ahead of their events. 73% scheduled staff, their surveys suggest, with 64% having sold tickets and 64% having booked artists.
Fabric, whose reopening weekend events were among the most anticipated, issued a statement following the press conference. “In light of the government announcement and, with a heavy heart, we can confirm that we will not be opening as planned on June 25th,” it reads.
On Monday, the U.K. reported 7,742 new cases of COVID-19 as well as three deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
