Health clubs in England are preparing to return to operations without restrictions, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the country would move to Step 4 of the COVID-19 roadmap on 19 July.

Health clubs, fitness studios and leisure centres will be able to operate without any limits to capacity within their facilities – including indoor group exercise – while all social distancing measures will be lifted too.

PM Johnson called the moving to Step 4 a "balance of risks" and emphasised that the public should "continue to be cautious".

The move comes after the latest data and modelling show that the government’s “four tests” for easing COVID-19 restrictions have been met.

The four tests include the vaccine deployment programme continuing successfully, a reduction in hospitalisations and deaths among those vaccinated, infection rates not putting the NHS under risk of being overwhelmed and no new variants causing concern.

By 19 July, two thirds of adults will have received two doses and every adult will have been offered at least one dose.

Industry body, ukactive, welcomed the confirmation that Step 4 would be implemented on 19 July.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister to effectively remove COVID-19 restrictions from 19 July is very much welcomed by our sector and will hopefully provide a moment of closure for many after 17 months of previously unimaginable professional and personal sacrifice.

“However, this moment is understandably married with caution given the uncertainty of the current landscape with increases in COVID-19 cases.

"As a result, we must press the Government again to address the growing operational concern caused by the lack of movement on adjusting track and trace and self-isolation policy.

“We need a system that reflects the needs of the moment, protecting our health and allowing our members to operate.

"The growing wave of closures caused by staff shortages from self-isolation shows the current system is not working, and needs to be reformed quickly.

“Looking forward, our sector will take its responsibility for operating without restrictions fully, acknowledging this pandemic remains and that we must remain vigilant and maintain the highest standards of service.

“We will work with our members through our ‘Fit Together’ campaign to provide support and guidance on issues of hygiene, respecting space, and safety and ensuring our reputation for safety remains.