U.K. Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions Despite Rising Case Numbers

Businesses and transit operators will still be allowed to require face coverings.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says people in England will no longer be required by law to wear face masks in indoor public spaces and to keep at least 3 feet apart as soon as later this month, confirming plans to reopen society despite rising coronavirus cases. Johnson confirmed Monday that legal sanctions will be replaced by individual “informed decisions” when the country moves to the final stage of its lockdown-lifting roadmap. He said that's scheduled to happen on July 19, although a final decision will come on July 12. The change will mean people can throw away masks after months of enforced face-covering, though businesses and transit operators may still require them, and they will still be recommended in some enclosed spaces.