Boris Johnson is set to ‘end most of lockdown’ for people in England today

Today Boris Johnson will be announcing the government’s plans for the next stage of lockdown easing in England, starting July 4th.

The prime minister is expected to reveal that pubs, restaurants, museums and cinemas will all once again be able to open their doors.

According to reports he is also set to cut the 2-metre distance rule down to 1-metre in an effort to help the hospitality industry and save millions of jobs.

At Number 10 last night, Boris Johnson thrashed out the details of today’s announcements, including reviewing the 2-metre social distancing rule. 

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said: “One of the things we will be issuing, once we make these decisions today, and the Prime Minister makes his announcement, will be guidelines for all of us as individuals, and as employers, to look at how we act and practise in a safe and healthy environment as we go forward.”

Britain has had the lowest daily death toll since mid-March, with just 15 deaths recorded on Sunday, so today’s announcement should hopefully bring good news.

Along with a reduction in social distancing rules and pubs and restaurants being able to reopen, museums, cinemas and art galleries are also expected to be allowed to open from July 4th.

Additionally, we may also be allowed to visit friends and family in their homes for the first time in months, but still keeping 2-metres away. 

It is also expected that holidays and staycations willget the ‘green light’, meaning hotels and B&BS are set to reopen.  Hairdressers are also set to be allowed to reopen.

It is unclear as of yet if gyms and pools will be reopening in the latest announcement, but the PM has been warned by industry leaders that it would damage the nation’s health if pubs open before gyms.

Scientific evidence has dismissed claims that gyms are hotbeds for infection, and also points out that chlorine in pools kills the virus. 

The government has persistently said they ‘will not hesitate’ to reimpose any controls to reduce the spread if needs be. 

A No 10 source said: “We are only able to move forward this week because the vast majority of people have taken steps to control the virus.

“But the more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social-distancing guidelines.

“We will not hesitate to reverse these steps if it is necessary to stop the virus running out of control.”