BORIS Johnson has confirmed a four-week delay to the lifting of all restrictions in England beyond June 21.

Speaking from Downing Street earlier this evening, the Prime Minister said that even though the link between hospitalisation and infection had been "weakened", it had not been "severed."

The PM said that, with the rise in numbers of Delta variant cases, there was a "real possibility that the virus could outrun the vaccine" if the country moved forward with the easing of restrictions, and that "thousands more deaths would ensue which could otherwise have been avoided."

The announcement means limits on numbers for sports events, pubs and cinemas will remain in place until July 19.

However, the extension will be reviewed to see if the country can open up completely a fortnight earlier on July 5.

Nightclubs will stay closed and people will be encouraged to keep up social distancing and working from home.

Two events that had been planned for Sandbanks, Poole, next month are among those affected.

Sandpolo and the music festival Sandfest, both due to be held over the weekend of July 9-11, were set to be the first major events in the area after the end of lockdown.

They have now been postponed until September 17-19

Sandpolo director Johnny Wheeler commented: ‘We are of course disappointed but we stand by the government’s decision.

"We are confident about delivering a spectacular event safely in a few months’ time."

Sandpolo, which includes the British Beach Polo Championships, is billed as the largest beach polo event in the world.

It also includes popular parties on the Friday and Saturday nights.

Johnny said: "We do stand by the experts and the science – but we were slightly hoping they might take a view that an outdoor event isn't the same as a basement nightclub.

"We hoped that maybe outdoor events could have gone ahead, especially as ours is 5,000 people.

"We couldn't socially-distance but we are still outdoors.

"We hoped there could have been some exceptions, but they probably thought that is too complicated and so haven't gone down that route.

"We haven't received any compensation now for two years of work and having our events pulled, so we are disappointed that most other sectors have been supported but our event industry just hasn't received a penny. We have been running off hot air for the best part of nearly two years.

"However, have got a back-up date and fortunately every element of the event is available and willing and very supportive.

"Should we go ahead in September that would be great, we have every crossed for that. If that doesn't go ahead because of the pandemic we will have to wait until next year."

Meanwhile, Sandfest’s Ty Temel, the man behind Bournemouth's Halo nightclub – which will also be affected by the postponement – said: ‘It’s a relief to have a decision so that we now know where we stand.

"It’s disappointing we can’t run next month but safety comes first.

"We cannot wait to welcome big dance acts like Rudimental back to Sandbanks in September.

"We have a track record of great weather then and can’t wait to be back on the beach."

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “Although this delay is disappointing it is crucial that we hold our nerve.

“It would be catastrophic for businesses and the economy if we started going backwards and were faced with a return to tighter restrictions.

“The economy is giving a great deal of cause for positivity currently and many of those businesses in Dorset which have been able to re-open have been bouncing back impressively.

“Clearly those businesses most affected by the delay, particularly in hospitality and events, will be incredibly frustrated and understandably so.

“Dorset Chamber will continue to work with the British Chambers of Commerce to lobby government for support and to ensure any delay is kept to a minimum.

“The tremendous support of the local community for businesses will continue to be greatly valued and appreciated as we count down the days to our final departure from this dreadful pandemic.”

Tim Seward, chairman of the BH Area Hospitality Association, told the Daily Echo: "Hotels, with the sun, are all fully booked.

"Weddings and conferences will have to wait but with this weather hotels are doing really well."

Michael Tomlinson, Conservative MP for Mid-Dorset and North Poole, said: "I would dearly have loved the Prime Minister to announce that he will be withdrawing all restrictions with immediate effect. However, the new variant and the data has not enabled him to do that. I know that this was a difficult decision, and I know how hard the Prime Minister has agonised over it.

“The date of June 21 was the earliest possible date for lifting the final restrictions, if you like a ‘not before’ date. It was far from a guarantee. The Prime Minister has made a decision that we need to proceed with caution, and that it must be irreversible.

“This delay will enable 10million more jabs to be given, and for more of us to have the protection of a second jab. It also gives more time for confirmation and confidence that the vaccine has broken the link in transmission, and is properly effective against the latest variants.

“The key for me is that we should not go backwards. Our vaccinations locally in Dorset have been amongst the most successful in the whole country. I have visited the main vaccine centres serving my constituency, and pay tribute to all our GPs, NHS staff, and volunteers who have helped to make it run so smoothly.

"I am delighted that the Prime Minister has made an exception for weddings. The importance of marriage and families cannot be overstated, and to be able to get married surrounded by your family and friends will be welcomed by many across the country."