Prime Minister confirms move to Step 4.

The Prime Minister on Monday emphasised caution and the expectation for a gradual easing of restrictions, based on informed choice and personal responsibility. 

So the rules have changed from the 19th July, face coverings will be voluntary in all settings, including shops and hospitality. You must exercise personal judgement. While the legal requirement to cover your face will be lifted, people are advised that wearing a mask can reduce the risk to themselves and to others. People are still “expected” to wear face masks in indoor and enclosed spaces – despite the legal requirement to wear one ending.

Social Distancing 

• All businesses that remain closed will be allowed to open 

• Mass events, such as music festivals, can restart

• There will be no limit on the number of people at weddings and funerals

• Customers in pubs will be able to walk to the bar and be served there

And for schools….

The School bubble system will end from 19th July, though they can continue with existing arrangements until the end of term if they wish. 

From the 16th August children who are contacted by Track and Trace as being in contact with someone who has tested positive will be advised to take a PCR test and will only have to self-isolate if they are positive. This means an entire class or year group would not need to be sent home for 10 days each time a pupil in their bubble tests positive.

In addition to the bubble system being lifted, staggered start times at schools will no longer be necessary.

Protective measures will remain in place for the autumn term in all education settings including practicing good hygiene, ventilation and regular testing until the end of September to strike a balance between relaxing restrictions and minimising further disruption to children’s education. It is a good idea to talk to your schools to see what restrictions they will have in the autumn term.

Please visit the Government website for full details.

Self-Isolation

A requirement to self-isolate after testing positive or after coming into contact with an infected person will remain in place for those who are not fully vaccinated.

From 16th August, those who are double-jabbed – as well as under 18s in England – will no longer have to self-isolate. However, you must wait at least two weeks after the second jab before they are allowed to be exempt.

Please visit the Government website for full details.

The Future

Will we be able to take year and whole school groups next year? Hopefully, but no one can be certain what will happen. The only thing that is certain is that the better prepared we are, the better we will fare. This autumn term, keep in mind if you want to use your images to create virtual groups or composites, shoot them accordingly. If you have time, try and take two images, one for normal portraiture and one full length or 3/4 to be used later if necessary.

Please see our other blog on Star Composites.

For more information on how our products can help you get in touch with our team.