Following the reduction of the UK’s coronavirus alert level, Boris Johnson has now announced more measures to ease lockdown in England from July 4.
Prime minister Boris Johnson announced the change this afternoon when addressing MPs in Parliament.
The prime minister confirmed that from July 4, the two-metre social distancing rule will be reduced to a “one-metre-plus” rule, which advises people to stay 1 metre plus apart in scenarios where it is not possible to stay 2 metres apart.
It was also announced that from July 4, one household will be able to mix with one other household indoors, given that both households socially distance. The PM added: “The fewer social contacts you have the safer you will be.”
Boris Johnson also confirmed that the following businesses will be able to re-open from July 4:
– Pubs and restaurants
– Hairdressers and barbers
– Hotels
– Cinemas, museums, libraries and galleries
However, nightclubs, indoor gyms, swimming pools, spas and bowling alleys will remain closed until further notice.
The announcement of the re-opening of several businesses as well as a reduction of the 2m social distancing rule was accompanied by caution from the government: “The more we open up, the more vigilant we will need to be.”