BORIS Johnson will finally allow Brits to hug family and friends from next week, after months of social distancing.
The Prime Minister is due to set out the rules on hugging loved ones and attending wedding and funerals in a 5pm press conference tomorrow.
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He is likely to tell the nation to use their “personal judgement” and “common sense” when hugging pals and family members after May 17, sources say.
Brits have been starved of embraces for over a year, and will be allowed once more to hug each other sensibly when the next stage of lockdown lifts.
At the moment anyone who doesn’t live together is advised to keep at least 1.5 metres away from others to stop the spread of the virus.
But, as first revealed by Trending In The News it’s expected that people will be told they can finally hug their close friends and family again – but social distancing rules will be expected to stay for others.
Hugging
Brits will be told they can decide on their own levels of risk “for their own circumstances” and take decisions into their own hands after months of advice from ministers about what to do.
Number 10 sources have told The Telegraph Mr Johnson is likely to tell the public tomorrow that everyone should use their “personal judgement” and their “common sense” when it comes to hugging friends and family after May 17.
It is thought that the PM will also confirm changes to the restrictions surrounding care home residents.
They are now allowed to go on trips to a family members garden or a park without having to self-isolate for 14 days when they return.
Weddings and funerals
The PM will announce that while funerals can have up to 30 mourners, the restrictions for weddings will remain the same.
This means couples will still only be able to have 30 people to a wedding and indoor reception until June 21 when rules are lifted entirely.
The reception could be in the form of a sit down meal and in any Covid secure venue that is permitted to open, but receptions will not be allowed to take place in people’s private gardens or public outdoor spaces.
It is hoped an unlimited number of guests will be allowed from June 21 as all restrictions are scrapped, but the PM stressed this will be reviewed nearer the time.
Meeting inside
From May 17, people will finally be able to meet their loved ones inside their homes again.
It means groups of six or fewer – or two households – will be allowed to meet indoors.
Domestic overnight stays will also be given the thumbs up from this date – but people should still social distance from people they don’t live with.
The last relaxation of rules in April gave the thumbs up to pubs and restaurants opening up – but only for service outside.
But from next week they will be able to fling their doors back open and welcome customers back inside.
Venues will be allowed to provide table service only, with the rule of six in place for indoors diners and drinkers.
And the rule of six for outdoor gatherings will be extended to the rule of 30 from May 17.
Meanwhile leisure facilities such as cinemas, bingo halls, and theatres will be given the green light to reopen.
And indoor sports such as badminton will be permitted once again, and some gym classes will be able to resume.
