THE Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce the easing of lockdown restrictions will be delayed beyond June 21.

The PM will address the nation this evening where he is understood will call for patience amid concerning figures on Covid variants.

It comes as the fourth and final step of the Government's roadmap out of restrictions was earlier this month thrown into doubt.

Read more: Boris Johnson to announce June 21 rules at 6pm press conference

At the time, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted the Government remained "absolutely open" to a delay in lifting of rules if necessary. 

That has since been confirmed as now the most likely route as sources today suggested senior ministers had signed off a plan to delay easing of lockdown until July 19.

Meanwhile, scientists have already warned that the rapid spread of the Delta variant risks a "substantial" third wave if it is allowed to spread unchecked.

But what are the rules left to be lifted? We've looked through the Government's roadmap to bring you a list of what rules are left to lift - and subsequently, delayed.

Nightclubs and remaining closed venues

During the entire pandemic, nightclubs have been among the venues that have been forced to stay closed due to the risk of transmission and close contact.

According to Government guidance, this also includes dance halls, discotheques, sexual entertainment venues and hostess bars.

If the easing of restrictions are delayed beyond June 21, then these businesses would have to remain closed.

Read more: Nightclubs warn they won't survive past this month amid Covid 'failures'

Already, we've heard from nightclub owners who earlier this year gave stark warnings that they will not survive due to the economical impact of being closed since last March.

Limits on large events and performances

In line with the easing of rules in the third step of the Government's roadmap, events are currently limited in their capacity.

Currently, indoor venues are allowed to have a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full.

Meanwhile, outdoor venues are currently allowed to have a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full.

In the largest of outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be safely spread out, up to 10,000 people of quarter-full are able to attend.

Under the fourth and final step of the roadmap out of lockdown, all such restrictions are expected to end and venues would be able to accommodate normal capacities.

Guest numbers at funerals and weddings

Currently, up to 30 people are allowed to attend weddings, receptions and wakes as well as funerals, both indoors and outdoors.

Restrictions on the number of people allowed to attend such gatherings were eased on May 17, following the further lifting of lockdown restrictions indoors. 

If step four goes ahead, such limits on gatherings would be removed and events allowed to take place as they did before the pandemic.

Social contact 

The last easing of restrictions gave the greatest "freedom" back to people as those in England were once again permitted to mix indoors, and allowed to hug one another.

Currently, the rule-of-six applies indoors - meaning up to six individuals (or two households) can mix in any setting inside.

Outdoors, the rule-of-six does not apply but restrictions still mean only groups of up to 30 people can mix.

If step four of the roadmap goes ahead, all such restrictions and limits on social contact will be removed. 

Read more: Boris Johnson to announce June 21 rules at 6pm press conference