Social distancing and masks to be mostly scrapped by June 21

Masks and social distancing are on track to no longer be required in most settings by June 21, according to a government insider.

The National Economy Recovery Taskforce, a Cabinet sub-committee set up to unite 10 Downing Street and the Treasury in rebuilding the economy post-lockdown, is reportedly planning to take a “maximalist” approach to lifting these “non-pharmaceutical interventions”.

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Social distancing looks set to be fully scrapped and masks will no longer be required in shops and offices, only remaining in place as a requirement in “limited settings” such as public transport.

The insider, speaking to The Sun, said: “The current thinking points to social distancing going and mask wearing only in limited settings like buses, trains and the Tube.

“Obviously this is all dependent on final sign-off but the data is looking good and the political will is there for a proper lift-off.”

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Scientists are said to be on board with these plans as the vaccine rollout continues to effectively suppress the harm caused by COVID-19.

Nightclubs, which have been closed since March 2020 with many facing severe financial implications, will welcome the news, which will allow them to reopen without restrictions.

One concern which could block these plans would be if a highly contagious or vaccine resistant variant were to spread through the country.

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Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicated a wish for offices to reopen for workers next month.

He said: “That is certainly our intention, provided we stay on track.

“I want to be sure we are able to say that with more clarity, a bit later on. We must be guided by what is happening with the pandemic.”