PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has announced today (23 June) that from 4 July, England will enter a new phase in lockdown.
Under the new, more relaxed restrictions called ‘one meter plus’, the public are advised to remain two meters apart wherever possible but will be allowed to be as close as one meter if using ‘mitigation’ (such as face coverings), and be allowed to stay overnight in other households.
Several types of business will also be opening, including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers.
Dan Daintry, co-director of PAL Hire, said: “This news will come as a welcome relief for many ordinary people around the country. For months now we have all been feeling the effects of isolation and social distancing and the ability to go to a pub, get our hair done or attend a wedding will be warmly welcomed come as a breath of fresh air.
“In some ways it’s a small step and we still have a way to go before we’re out of the woods. But psychologically it’s an extremely important one, getting everyone that much closer to a life that may have felt impossibly distant.”
WHAT CAN I DO FROM 4 JULY?
- Social distancing rules will apply from one meter rather than two, although two meters is still recommended where possible.
- Two households of any size will be able to meet, indoors or outdoors, although this is not advised for more than two households.
- In public, two households can meet regardless of six, although multiple households will only be able to meet in groups of up to six.
- Pubs bars and restaurants (although not nightclubs) will be allowed to open, but only with a table service.
- Places of worship will open and weddings will be allowed to have up to 30 attendees.
- Hair dressers and barbers will be allowed to reopen although protective measures must still be taken.
- Hotels, campsites and caravan parks will be allowed to open.