BORIS Johnson is set to reveal 11 Covid lockdown changes at a press conference at 5pm today.
The loosening of coronavirus rules will give Brits a well deserved taste of freedom – but it’s thought the PM will ask the public to use their “common sense.”
1. HUGGING
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.
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 that everyone should use their “personal judgement” and their “common sense” when it comes to hugging friends and family after May 17.
2. OVERNIGHT STAYS
It is thought that the PM will confirm that 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.
3. PUBS INDOOR
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.
4. OUTDOOR GATHERINGS
Boris is due to confirm that rule of six for outdoor gatherings will be extended to the rule of 30 from May 17.
Social distancing measure will still be in place.
5. DOMESTIC HOLIDAYS
Holidaymakers have been allowed to go away within the UK since April 12 – but only with people they live with.
From May 17, people can go on domestic holidays with others – providing they stick to the rule of six.
6. FOREIGN TRAVEL
Sun-starved Brits are readying their passports at they hope to jet off abroad for holidays from May 17.
It comes after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed the UK’s Green List.
They include Israel, Singapore, Portugal, the Falkland Islands, Ascension, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Gibraltar, Faroe Islands, Iceland and Brunei.
And New Zealand and Australia are also on the list – but they have their own entry requirements and are unlikely to let in tourists at the moment.
France, Greece and Spain are NOT yet on the green list, meaning Brits will have to wait until at least June 7 to find if they can go on holiday there this summer.
7. FUNERALS
The PM will announce that funerals can have up to 30 mourners.
It will be welcome news to grieving families after the issue was thrown back into the limelight last month when the Queen was forced to sit alone at Prince Philip’s funeral.
Rather than having a strict limit, the capacity will be determined by how many people places of worship or funeral homes can safely have inside while mourners are social distancing.
It means that some places will allow “significantly” more than just 30 people to attend.
In the worst and hardest days of the crisis, many grieving families were forced to watch funerals from home over live-streams.
8. LARGE EVENTS
It’s been a long wait but some larger events will finally kickstart again.
Indoor events such as gigs will have a capacity limit of 1,000, or 50 per cent – whichever is the smaller number.
Meanwhile, outdoor events will be able to welcome up 4,000 or 50 per cent capacity.
But outdoor events which are seated, such as football matches, will be capped at 10,000 or 25 per cent.
9. SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS
Boris will announce that Saunas and steam rooms will reopen in stage three on May 17.
Rules will remain in place to ensure saunas and steam rooms are as safe as possible.
10. CINEMA, MUSEUMS AND KIDS PLAY AREAS
Leisure facilities such as cinemas, bingo halls, and theatres will be given the green light to reopen from May 17.
Social distancing will of course still be needed and people may be required to wear a mask.
11. WEDDINGS
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.
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