Hotels, restaurants, pubs and attractions will be able to reopen from July 4, the government confirmed today as it announced a relaxation of social distancing rules in England.
Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed a relaxation of the two-metre rule on social distancing, which will change to ‘one metre plus’.
He said the devolved administrations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland would soon follow suit.
Johnson told MPs: “This vital change allows the next stage of our plan to ease the lock down.”
He said: “From July 4, we will re-open restaurants and pubs. All hospitality indoors will be limited to table service and we will encourage minimal contact between customers and staff.”
The one-metre-plus rule would go hand in hand with mitigating measures, he said, which would include face coverings and people not sitting face to face.
The government will also require customers to give names and contact details to allow tracing.
Johnson promised a full list of mitigation measures and said: “We will publish Covid-secure guidelines for all the sectors re-opening.”
Also from July 4, he said: “People will be able to stay overnight in self-contained accommodation such as hotels and bed and breakfasts, and including campsites so long as shared facilities are kept clean.
“Most attractions can re-open if they can do so safely, including theme parks.”
However, spas and waterparks “will need to stay closed for now”.
Johnson said: “We will be working on specific guidance for theatres and orchestras to resume performances as soon as possible.”
The prime minister noted: “People will ask why certain activities will be allowed and others not. We cannot lift every restriction at once. The more we open up the more vigilant we will need to be.”
He warned: “There will be flare ups. we will not hesitate to apply the brakes and to reintroduce restrictions even at a national level.”