Speaking in the Chamber this lunchtime, the Prime Minister declared that ‘our long national hibernation is coming to an end’ as he unveiled the most drastic easing of lockdown yet. Phase three of the road map will see parts of the hospitality industry reopen from 4 July while individuals will be able to socialise with greater freedom. Announcing the changes, Boris Johnson emphasised that his government was only able to make these changes due to the progress made as a result of people abiding by the rules. Should this fail to be the case in the future or the number of cases rise, Johnson warned he would not hesitate to put the brake on as ‘caution will remain our watchword’.
Crucially, rules around social contact are now an issue of guidance rather than legislation
As for the changes, the two-metre social distancing rule is to go from 4 July in England and be replaced by ‘one-metre plus’.
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