PRIME Minister, Boris Johnson, has delayed lifting of the final stages of lockdown restrictions until July 19 amid rising COVID numbers.

During a media conference earlier this evening, Mr Johnson said rising coronavirus numbers in England were an early warning sign for the rest of the UK —and that the delay would allow millions more to be vaccinated, while monitoring the data on the new Delta (Indian) variant.

Mr Johnson also confirmed 23 and 24-year-olds will be invited to get their vaccination from tomorrow, June 15, as the Government attempts to bring forward its plans to give every adult in the UK their first dose by July 19.

Second doses for the over 40s will also be brought forward.

The move will mean pubs remain restricted to table service for groups of six, theatres and indoor venues restricted to 50% capacity, nightclubs remain closed and the guidance to work from home stays in place.

However, under the new guidance, weddings and wakes will be able to go ahead with more than 30 guests as long as social distancing measures were in place.

Some pilot events such as Euro 2020 and some theatrical performances will also still go ahead.

The PM said: "The last three steps have inevitably been accompanied by more infection and more hospitalisation because, we must be clear that we cannot simply eliminate COVID.

"We must learn to live with it and with, every day that goes by, we're better protected by the vaccines, and we're better able to live with the disease."

He said there were millions of younger adults who had not been vaccinated and "sadly, a proportion of the elderly and vulnerable may still succumb – even if they have had two jabs."

He said the Delta variant had spread faster than the third wave that was predicted in the February roadmap, with cases growing at about 64% a week, and that there was a possibility the virus could outrun the vaccines and thousands more deaths would ensue.

"Even if the link between infection and hospitalisation has been weakened it hasn't been severed," he added.

However, he said: "As things stand, and on the evidence that I can see right now, I'm confident that we will not need more than four weeks, and we won't need to go beyond July 19.

"It's unmistakably clear the vaccines are working, and the sheer scale of the vaccine rollout has made opposition incomparably better than in previous waves."

Leader of Hounslow Council, Steve Curran, said: "We know that the decision today will come as a huge blow to many and will mean more sacrifice for our residents who have already sacrificed so much.

"All of us want to get back to a more normal way of life as quickly as possible.

"During the past few weeks we have seen the people of Hounslow stepping up, making a phenomenal effort to get PCR tested and vaccinated to help tackle cases of the Delta variant in the borough.

"Residents, volunteers and partners, including the NHS, are working together with the Council in true 'One Hounslow' spirit.

"However, today's decision by the Government is a stark reminder that we cannot and must not be complacent when it comes to keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe from the virus.

"There is still more work to be done.

"We must continue to follow the rules, get tested and get vaccinated when we can and we must remember the importance of 'Hands, Face, Space'.

"From tomorrow, we must keep encouraging everyone over the age of 23 to get vaccinated.

"For both myself and our Director of Public Health, Kelly O'Neill, I want to thank the people of Hounslow for everything they are doing to support one another during these incredibly challenging times and for the courage and determination they continue to show each and every day.

"If support is needed, we are here to help. Please just ask."

Businesses and others sectors, including theatre and live music venues, have already reacted to the set-back, expressing disappointment and anger at the move, which will leave them with even less time trading.

Others have raised concerns over the mental health of the nation.

Meanwhile, the latest figures for Hounslow Borough show that there has been a decrease in the number of new COVID cases for the week of May 31 to June 6, with 129, compared to 149 the week before.