Two metre reduction announcement due tomorrow

Boris Johnson is expected to announce a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule tomorrow, Sky News reports.

In line with the government’s roadmap for lifting the lockdown, 4 July marks the start of “phase three” when some hospitality businesses can reopen, likely to include pubs and restaurants.

The government is set to publish detailed guidance to ensure these companies are “covid secure”.

The prime minister is due to seek advice from experts and finalise the changes today, before seeking approval from his Cabinet and outlining the plans to parliament on Tuesday.

Other nations of the UK have yet to change their two-metre guidance.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her counterpart in Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster, are considering a reduction.

A Number 10 spokesperson said: “The reason we are able to move forward this week is because the vast majority of people have taken steps to contain the virus.

“The more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing rules.

“We will not hesitate to put the handbrake on to stop the virus running out of control.”

Meanwhile, Heath Secretary Matt Hancock said the government was “on track” to ease restrictions further from 4 July, which could include pubs and restaurants reopening.

On pubs, he said ministers were looking at a number of measures to ensure it is “safe” for them to reopen, including having to register before going for a pint.