Johnson stresses ‘pandemic is not over’ as he confirms July 19 lockdown easing

Mr Johnson acknowledged that the current wave of cases would mean more hospital admissions and deaths

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives an update on relaxing restrictions (Daniel Leal-Olivas/Pool/PA)

The use of domestic vaccine passports and face masks will be encouraged as ministers set out a cautious approach to England’s “freedom day” on July 19 in response to soaring coronavirus cases.

Experts fear there could be 200 deaths a day as cases surge, despite the protection offered by the vaccination campaign.