Plans to lift coronavirus restrictions have been pushed back by four weeks.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday evening that the government’s planned exit date of June 21 will now take place on July 19.
Nightclubs were set to reopen later this month as part of eased restrictions, which would extend to the need for social distancing and face coverings.
The delayed ‘fourth step’ out of lockdown comes amid rising cases from the Delta strain of the virus which was first discovered in India earlier this year.
“We can simply keep going with all of Step 4 on June 21, even though there is a real possibility that the virus will outrun the vaccines and that thousands more deaths would ensue which could otherwise have been avoided,” said Johnson.
“Or else we can give the NHS a few more crucial weeks to get those remaining jabs into the arms of those who need them.
“And since today I cannot say that that we have met all our four tests for proceeding with Step 4 on June 21, I think it is sensible to wait just a little longer.”
He added: “We will monitor the position every day and if, after two weeks, we have concluded that the risk has diminished then we reserve the possibility of proceeding to step four, and a full opening, sooner.”
Infection rates in the UK are now rivalling those in January when most of the country, including the Liverpool City Region, was under Tier 3 restrictions.
Those living in the region’s six boroughs are being advised by the Department of Health to minimise travel in efforts to contain the new strain of Covid-19.