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Mr Johnson, speaking at a Downing Street press conference, revealed that from Saturday local authorities would have new powers to close specific premises, shut outdoor spaces and cancel events.
Furthermore, regulations set out in draft in parliament next week will allow central government to intervene in local areas by issuing “stay-at-home” orders, limit the numbers at gatherings beyond national rules and restrict transport.
The new regulations will mean that it might “be possible to move away from the social distancing measures” by November at the earliest.
In response to a question from a member of the public about contact with grandchildren, he said: “I think what we’re trying to say about the one-metre rule generally and social distancing generally is that, clearly, looking through till the spring, looking through to the long-term impacts that social distancing will continue to have on many sectors of the UK economy … we hope that by November, at the earliest, if we can continue to make progress in our struggle against the virus then it may, may conceivably be possible to move away from the social distancing measures.”
However, he cautioned: “That is entirely conditional, as I say, on our ability to continue to keep the virus under control.”
From August 1 onward it will be up to employers to discuss with workers whether it is safe to return to the workplace. Current advice to avoid public transport in England is also being scrapped.
Most leisure settings, such as bowling and skating rinks, casinos and close-contact services such as beauticians will also be allowed to reopen from 1 August. But nightclubs and soft play areas will stay closed.
Indoor performances to live audiences will also restart in August, subject to pilots. Larger gatherings in sports stadiums will also be piloted with a view to reopening in the autumn. Wedding receptions for up to 30 people will also be allowed.
Coronavirus testing will be boosted to increase capacity to “at least” half a million a day by the end of October.
Extra funding, to the tune of £3bn, would help the NHS prepare for a possible second coronavirus wave.
The prime minister said: “It is my strong and sincere hope that we will be able to review the outstanding restrictions and allow a more significant return to normality from November, at the earliest, possibly in time for Christmas.”
Mr Johnson asserted that local lockdowns, such as in Leicester, can be used to control coronavirus in future.
“National lockdown was undoubtedly the right thing to do and has saved many thousands of lives,” Johnson said. “Now, however, we know more about the virus, we understand the epidemiology better and our intelligence about where it is spreading is vastly improved. That means we can control it through targeted local action instead.”
Setting out new powers for local authorities, he said: “From tomorrow, local authorities will have new powers in their areas. They will be able to close specific premises, shut public outdoor spaces and cancel events.
“These powers will enable local authorities to act more quickly in response to outbreaks where speed is paramount. Action by local councils will not always be sufficient, so next week we will publish draft regulations on how central government can intervene more effectively at a local level.
“Where justified by the evidence, ministers will be able to close whole sectors or types of premises in an area, introduce local stay-at-home orders, prevent people entering or leaving defined areas, reduce the size of gatherings beyond the national defined rules or restrict transport systems serving local areas.”
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