LONDON — Boris Johnson announced that pubs and restaurants will reopen in England from July 4, saying the U.K. has so far been shielded from a second wave of coronavirus cases.
In a statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, the prime minister said the number of daily deaths peaked at 943 in mid-April and has fallen significantly since then, while the number of infections is decreasing by between 2 and 4 percent every day.
Pledging to remain “vigilant,” Johnson said the government does not believe a second wave of infections is currently threatening to overwhelm the NHS, so it is safe to ease lockdown restrictions further.
“Today we can say that our long national hibernation is beginning to come to an end and life is returning to our streets and our shops, the buzz is starting to come back. And a new but cautious optimism is palpable,” he said. “But I must say to the House that it would be all too easy for that frost to return and that is why we will continue to trust on the common sense and the community spirit of the British people to follow this guidance and carry us through to victory over this virus.”
From July 4, the controversial 2-meter rule on social distancing will be relaxed to “1-meter plus” when leaving 2 meters is impossible. The public should nonetheless take other precautions such as wearing face coverings, Johnson said.
A large number of businesses and facilities will reopen, including restaurants, pubs, hairdressers, playgrounds, cinemas, libraries and museums. People will be allowed to stay overnight at hotels and campsites. The government will publish detailed guidance for every sector reopening in the coming weeks.
However, nightclubs, casinos, indoor gyms and soft play areas, swimming pools, spas, water parks, bowling alleys, exhibition and conference centers, nail bars and beauty salons will remain closed. Task forces comprising public health experts and industry representatives will be formed to help these facilities become COVID-19 secure, Johnson said.
Two households of any size will be able to meet at any indoor setting or outdoors, and each meeting wont need to be with the same household. Outdoors, up to six peoRead More – Source
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