Johnson: ‘Good chance’ social distancing can be scrapped next month
There is a “good chance” the “one-metre plus” social distancing rule can be scrapped next month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters today.
Speaking during a campaign visit in Hartlepool Johnson said: “I think we’ve got a good chance, a good chance, of being able to dispense with one-metre plus.”
The Times first reported the social distancing rule will be scrapped from June 21 under plans that hope to ensure hospitality and leisure businesses can fully reopen for the first time in 15 months.
However, masks will have to be worn in some cases to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus.
According to the Times, under the government’s plans theatre and cinema goers will have to wear face coverings during performance, and there will be strict guidance on ventilation and staggered entry.
Pubs and restaurants must keep a one-way system in place, and there will be screens as well as a requirement to wear a mask – but there will be no restrictions on customer numbers.
Just yesterday foreign secretary Dominic Raab warned “safeguards” like social distancing and mask wearing would remain in place beyond 21 June.
Raab said: “We want to get to a position at the end of June where we get life as back to normal, but we might need to have safeguards in place.”
This weekend events took place to test restriction-free socialising, including a mask and social distancing-free rave at a Liverpool nightclub having taken place on Friday.