Plans to further ease the lockdown are set to be announced tomorrow in Parliament by Boris Johnson
Reports this morning say today’s meeting of the COVID-19 strategy committee will agree measures to allow at least some pubs, restaurants, guesthouses and other hospitality venues as well as hairdressers to reopen in some form from July 4th.
The review of the 2-meter rule on social distancing will be presented to ministers at today’s meeting and is expected to recommend a reduction of the limit, so long as other safety precautions are adopted in tandem.
Among the proposals for the hospitality industry we could see all customers registering their names and contact details with staff in case an outbreak occurs and the erection of perspex screens between tables while drinks will be ordered via mobile phone apps rather than at the bar.
However a Downing Street spokesman warned in a statement last night that “widespread breaches” of the new social distancing rules could lead to a swift reversal of tomorrow’s announcement. “The reason we are able to move forward this week is because the vast majority of people have taken steps to contain the virus,” the spokesman said. “The more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing rules. We will not hesitate to put the handbrake on to stop the virus running out of control.”
