Lockdown relaxed in England as 2m rule eased
Author: Wardah Sempa | Tuesday 23rd June 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should remain 2m apart where possible but a "one metre plus" rule will be introduced. Pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers can also open from 4 July in England, when social distancing rules will be eased. After three months of forced closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson also said that businesses will be able to welcome back customers as long as social distancing and hygiene policies are observed.policies are observed.
The government has been under pressure from MP and the hospitality industry to allow people to be closer together, to help businesses after they reopen.
In a study published in the medical journal The Lancet, scientists looked at research into how coronavirus spreads. They concluded that keeping at least 1m from other people could be the best way to limit the chances of infection.
The risk of being infected is estimated to be 13% within 1m, but only 3% beyond that distance. And the study says that for every extra metre of distance up to 3m, the risk is further reduced by half.
The details on the 2m rule being erased will be announced soon.
