Lockdown rules eased by Boris Johnson

Pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers can open from 4 July in England, when social distancing rules will be eased.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people should remain 2m apart where possible but a “one metre plus” rule will be introduced.

Two households in England will also be able to meet indoors and stay overnight – with social distancing.

The prime minister warned that all steps were “reversible”.

The meeting of households will not be exclusive, but unlike the bubble system people will have to maintain social distance – so family members who live apart could not hug.

Johnson stated people will be encouraged to use “mitigation” – such as face coverings and not sitting face-to-face – when within 2m of each other and “where it is possible to keep 2m apart, people should”.

The prime minister said: “Our principle is to trust the British public to use their common sense in the full knowledge of the risks, remembering the more we open up, the more vigilant we need to be.”

In other changes weddings will be allowed to have 30 attendees, and places of worship will be allowed to hold services.

When serving indoors, pubs and restaurants will only be allowed to offer table service, and venues will be asked to collect contact details of customers for the NHS Test and Trace system.

Cinemas, art galleries and museums are allowed to reopen as are theatres and music halls, although they are not allowed to host live performances.