PEOPLE will be expected to wear masks in enclosed spaces after Freedom Day next week, it has been revealed.
Boris Johnson will spell out the need for caution as he announces today the country is on course to drop legal restrictions.
It means the end to the rule of six and social distancing and the reopening of nightclubs from July 19.
Masks will no longer be compulsory after a jabs roll-out, which the PM will say has saved 30,000 lives and stopped 8.5million infections.
Mr Johnson will tell a No10 press conference that freedom is “tantalisingly close”.
But he will warn: “Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear.
“Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress.” Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said yesterday that the masks guidelines “will be very clear”.
He said: “There’s an expectation for people to wear masks indoors, in crowded places, on public transport.
“It is both a personal responsibility, and a corporate responsibility.” Public Health England boss Susan Hopkins said people should try their best to continue working from home and mask up in crowded spaces after July 19.
She said hospitalisations could hit 4,000 a day and added: “It is not a time to be overly enthusiastic about social contacts.”
