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Summary
Pubs, cafes and restaurants in England reopen indoors today under the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown
But a planned review of social distancing measures due to take place this month could be delayed due to the spread of the Indian Covid variant, Downing Street says
Data suggests the number of people on High Streets is way down on pre-pandemic levels
Covid-19: Five ways to make hugging safer, from the experts
By Francesca Gillett
image copyrightJames D. Morgan
The advice on hugging is changing from Monday. It is no longer advised against for people from different households in England and Scotland - and for millions of people this will be the first time they ve hugged family and friends in months.
Experts say there are real benefits to hugging - it lowers stress and blood pressure - but the government is urging people to be cautious. So how can you give a cautious hug? We ve gathered advice from coronavirus experts on how to hug safely.
People in the UK look forward to hugging their loved ones, dining in restaurants, and escaping from the UK for overseas holidays.
But when Boris Johnson urged Britons to indulge in “cautious hugs,” the confused Huffington Post cautioned: “Looking at the hug, it sounds like An indie band in the middle of the Middle Ages!”
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When can I hug?
From May 17, the “cautious” hug will officially resume, Prime Minister It is up to the British to decide whether to hug family and friends.
Mr. Johnson said that current data show that it is also possible to cancel the “more than one meter” social distancing rule.
Hugging loved ones from different households is to be allowed again from next week in England, when people will be given the choice on whether to socially distance from close friends and family.
But people are being urged to remain cautious about the risks of coronavirus transmission and close personal contact, with guidance set to suggest ways of reducing the risk, such as taking a lateral flow test beforehand.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday he has given the go-ahead to further relaxations of the lockdown rules, with household mixing permitted indoors once more from May 17.
The Government will allow people in England to use their “personal judgment” on close contact between friends and family from this date, when groups of up to six or two households can be reunited indoors.
Coronavirus transmission Hugging loved ones from different households is to be allowed again from next week in England, when people will be given the choice on whether to socially distance from close friends and family. But people are being urged to remain cautious about the risks of coronavirus transmission and close personal contact, with guidance set to suggest ways of reducing the risk, such as taking a lateral flow test beforehand. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday he has given the go-ahead to further relaxations of the lockdown rules, with household mixing permitted indoors once more from May 17. The Government will allow people in England to use their “personal judgment” on close contact between friends and family from this date, when groups of up to six or two households can be reunited indoors.