We must move cautiously - Asian Business Chamber president

The easing of remaining Covid restrictions is a cautious move towards freedom, Jason Wouhra, president of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce has said following confirmation that government will lift more legal limits next week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed at a press conference yesterday that government will be pressing ahead with stage four of its roadmap out of lockdown, with remaining legal limits on wearing face masks indoors, mass gatherings, such as at festivals and crowds at sports matches, social distancing, and the instruction to work from home will be relaxed on 19 July.

Contact tracing and isolating positive cases will stay in place, alongside travel guidance.

Mr Wouhra (pictured), also chief executive of Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd, said that the loosening of rules will allow firms to start making up losses, but caution is still required.

He said: “Confirmation of the easing of restrictions is a cautious move towards freedom.

“The loosening of rules will allow businesses to get back to some degree of normality and will enable those which have been unable, or severely restricted, in trading for just over a year to start making up losses.

“This should in turn help our economy bounce back, instead of being constrained by heavy restrictions.

“We 're moving in the right direction, but we must move cautiously. ”

The Prime Minister also said that the government “expects and recommends ” that face coverings should be worn in crowded and enclosed public spaces.

He said guidance will be released on the gradual return to work over the summer and implored nightclubs and crowded venues to use the NHS Covid pass.

Mr Wouhra welcomed the recommendation on face masks after 19 July, but urged for further guidance for businesses to be delivered swiftly.

He said: “I 'm pleased to hear that although the legal requirement on face masks will be lifting from Monday, government will still be recommending people wear them in crowded and enclosed spaces.

“I welcome this recommendation, as it is a simple and effective way for businesses to maintain safety for staff and customers.

“The Prime Minister has also said that government will be releasing guidance on the gradual return to work and will be urging venues to use the NHS Covid pass.

“Official guidance and support surrounding these measures must be published and delivered swiftly, in order for businesses, if they wish to, enact new processes and procedures immediately without delay or cost to their business. ”