Boris Johnson announcement: What did he say in back-to-work speech?
BORIS Johnson announced a raft of changes as he ripped up the work-from-home guidance today (Friday, July 17) – giving bosses the green light to welcome staff back to the office.
Mr Johnson revealed new plans that would allow all firms to welcome their staff back to the office.
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What did Boris Johnson announce?
Boris Johnson said in his opening address that the number of new cases has remained below 1,000 for the last three weeks.
The Prime Minister also revealed SAGE’s latest R rate is at 0.7 to 0.9.
And on to measures being relaxed, he said: “Today, we are publishing our framework for containing and controlling future outbreaks in England which will enable national and local governments to work closely together.”
The PM revealed that from tomorrow – Saturday, July 18 – local authorities will have new powers in their areas, including being able to close specific premises, shut outdoor spaces and cancel events.
Mr Johnson said these ‘lightning lockdown‘ powers allow them to act more quickly where action is paramount.
He added that next week, they will publish the ways central government can intervene more effectively at a local level.
This would enable ministers to shut specific types of premises, issue local stay-at-home orders, and prevent people entering and leaving a defined area.
It would also include allow to reduce the size of gatherings beyond nationwide rules and restrict transport systems in local areas.
Boris Johnson also revealed they will increase the swab test capacity to 500,000 by the end of October.
And with regards to NHS, he revealed that an additional £3billion will be given to the health service, with England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all receiving extra funds.
This funding means hospitals can increase funding, while the Nightingale hospitals will remain open until the end of March.
In England from today, anyone will be able to use public transport, with advice on going to work will be updated on August 1.
He said employers will now be given more discretion on whether staff will be allowed to remain working from home – rather than the government demanding people remain away from workplaces.
Mr Johnson confirmed beauty salons, bowling alleys, ice rinks and casinos are among those that will reopen on August 1.
But soft play areas and nightclubs will remain shut.
The PM also revealed they will test indoor and outdoor events to have an audience, including sports matches with a view to having larger gatherings in the autumn.
Meanwhile, for August 1, wedding receptions will also be allowed for up to 30 people.
In September, all schools and colleges can reopen on a full-time basis.
And in a final bit of solace, Boris Johnson revealed they hope to return to more normality by November in time for Christmas.
What time was Boris Johnson’s speech?
The Prime Minister’s “back to work” media briefing was held today – Friday, July 17 – at 11am.
The special press conference was held at 10 Downing Street.
What did Dido Harding say?
Mr Johnson was joined by the Test and Trace chief, Baroness Dido Harding, as she revealed the latest plans for the system.
Baroness said that in the last 6 weeks, just under two million people have been tested, with over 34,000 getting a positive result.
She unveiled the new “Contain Framework” which will help monitor local outbreaks and provide support if needed.
The framework will also see an app launched and a backwards contact tracing system to find the source of outbreaks.
They will also recruit more people for local health protection teams.
Dido Harding said that they need to make test and trace fully operational by winter.