The British will find pubs, hairdressers and museums: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Tuesday a new phase of deconfinement on July 4 to revive the economy and adapt it in the long term to the threat of the new coronavirus.
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"Our long national hibernation is coming to an end"
While a large part of Europe has now lifted most of the measures taken in response to the pandemic, the British government has so far taken small steps. With 42,927 deaths tested positive (+171 in 24 hours) and even more than 52,000 including suspected cases, the United Kingdom deplores the heaviest death toll in Europe from the Covid-19 disease. But the government believes it has made enough progress against the virus to loosen the grip further.
"Our long national hibernation is coming to an end," Boris Johnson told MEPs, assuring that there was a risk of outbreaks locally but no "second wave of infections". May reopen in early July, in addition to the hotel and restaurant sector, hairdressers, tourist attractions such as museums or amusement parks, cinemas, libraries and outdoor sports facilities.
"I'm really looking forward to going back to the pub ... and I'm not even drinking," finance minister Rishi Sunak tweeted. As for Boris Johnson, known for his blond mop, he said he was waiting "almost as impatiently" for his next haircut as his next pint.
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"An important difference for the viability of thousands of companies"
To allow the announced reopenings, the Prime Minister specified that the recommended distance between two people would be reduced to one meter against two currently. The easing "will make a big difference to the viability of thousands of businesses," said Carolyn Fairbairn, chief executive officer of CBI, Britain's largest employers' organization, in a statement.
Boris Johnson said it was advisable to stay two meters apart. If lowered to a meter, reduce the risk of transmission, by improving ventilation, covering your face or using hydroalcoholic gel. These are recommendations, however, and offenders will not be subject to a fine.
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England-specific measures
These measures only apply for England, the other nations of the United Kingdom having adopted different calendars. Very affected, Scotland follows a more cautious approach, and the local government announced Tuesday to maintain the rule of two meters apart. In England, members of two households will now be able to meet inside and the English will be able to spend the night outside their home. The weddings will be able to resume with a maximum of 30 participants. Swimming pools, gyms, discos or beauty salons will have to wait.
In early June, the government had already authorized certain children to return to school, before a return to school for all scheduled for September. "Non-essential" stores started reopening in mid-June.