British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is on Tuesday expected to announce further easing of coronavirus lockdown measures in England, allowing pubs and restaurants to reopen from July 4.
British media reported ahead of Johnson’s statement to parliament that the move would also allow cinemas and museums to reopen, and the 2-metre distancing rule will be revised.
Johnson took part in a meeting on Monday with the government’s COVID-19 strategy committee, where the changes were discussed.
“But the more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing guidelines.
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“We will not hesitate to reverse these steps if it is necessary to stop the virus running out of control,” a Downing Street source was quoted as telling Sky News.
On Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the virus was “in retreat.”
The health ministry added that Britain recorded its lowest daily coronavirus-related death toll since mid-March, with only 15 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.
It was the first time in months that the country had recorded fewer than 1,000 daily new infections.
Britain has been the European country hardest hit by the pandemic, with over 42,600 related deaths. (NAN)
