COVID-19 REVIEW
Boris Johnson speech today: What did the PM’s announcement reveal?
BORIS Johnson has revealed new changes to lockdown rules leaving some Brits to rejoice as a number of restrictions eased.
These new rules will come into force from July 4 - but will only affect those in England.
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What did Boris Johnson say?
On June 23, Boris Johnson made a statement in the House of Commons, announcing the latest measures that will come into force on July 4.
In his opening address, the PM said that they still believe there is no risk of a second wave.
The first item to be revealed was that the two-metre social distancing rule will be changed from July 4.
Mr Johnson said ";where it is possible, keep two metres apart", but he added that it will be reduced to one metre plus where not possible.
This means that one metre must be obliged, while other measures like wearing face masks should be followed.
Two households can meet indoors or outside - but no more than two households can meet except outdoors like in parks.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson added that these do not have to be the same two households, for example children can meet one set of grandparents one week, and the others the following week.
Much to the cheers of the Commons, the PM revealed pubs and restaurants will be able to open from July 4.
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Hotels, B&Bs and campsites will also be allowed to reopen, along with hairdressers and beauty salons.
Places of worship will also be now able to welcome people for prayers and weddings of up to 30 people.
On schools, Mr Johnson said that primary and secondary schools will have full attendance in September, while those that are currently eligible should return as "it is safe".
But indoor gyms, soft play areas, bowling alleys and nightclubs will remain closed, along with sports changing rooms and courts.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister insisted that: "Like in other countries, there will be flare ups for which local measures will be needed.
"And we will not hesitate to apply the brakes and reintroduce restrictions even at national level, even if required."
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What is the full list of changes?
Here is the full list of what can reopen from July 4:
- Hotels, hostels bed and breakfast accommodation, holiday apartments or homes, cottages or bungalows, campsites, caravan parks or boarding houses
- Places of Worship
- Libraries
- Community Centres
- Restaurants, Cafes and Workplace Canteens
- Bars
- Pubs
- Cinemas
- Bingo Halls
- Theatres and concert halls, but no live music
- Museums and galleries
- Hair salons and barbers
- Outdoor playgrounds
- Outdoor gyms
- Funfairs, theme parks and adventure parks and activities
- Amusement arcades
- Outdoor skating rinks
- Other indoor leisure centres or facilities, including indoor games, recreation and entertainment venues
- Social Clubs
- Model villages
- Indoor attractions at aquariums, zoos, safari parks, farms, wildlife centres and any place where animals are exhibited to the public as an attraction.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS
Is Boris chairing the coronavirus press briefing on Tuesday, June 23?
Mr Johnson is expected to chair Tuesday’s (June 23) press conference at approximately 5pm.
However, very few details have been given on the matter, including who will join him as speakers.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
He will most likely answer questions from journalists and the public about his latest lockdown update.
The PM is also expected to present the latest coronavirus figures and developments on tackling Covid-19.
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