A HUG'S LIFE
Brits should be able to hug their grandparents & pals by May 17 as vulnerable should be fully vaccinated, says Hancock
BRITS should be able to hug their grandparents and friends again by May 17, Matt Hancock said today.
The Health Secretary said while close contact was known to spread Covid, by the end of spring all of the most vulnerable groups are expected to have been protected by two jabs.
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It comes after Boris Johnson last night revealed his roadmap to lift lockdown - slowly ending restrictions from March 8.
Boris' plan warns Brits to maintain social distancing in steps 1 and 2 of easing lockdown but that they may be allowed to make their own decisions on hugging friends and family under step 3 from May 17.
And speaking this morning on the BBC, Mr Hancock said the restrictions around close contact would be lifted on May 17 - the same date that Brits will be able to travel within the country and have overnight stays.
He said: "We know that close contact is how this disease is passed on.
"The reason for that timing is that by then, all of the most vulnerable groups will have been able to have two jabs."
It comes as...
- Boris Johnson set England on a snail-paced return to freedom with Covid restrictions not fully lifted until June 21
- A plan to lift lockdown by Easter was canned by Sage scientists
- Foreign holidays will be banned until May 17 at the earliest
- Key dates in the lockdown lifting plan were unveiled last night
- People will be able to meet inside and have sleepovers from May 17
He admitted that the prospect of hugs was "some time off" but explained: "That is the earliest that we thought it was safe to be able to take that step."
With the successful rollout of the Covid vaccine, the Government has said the public will be able to make informed personal decisions about social contact.
In the roadmap, Brits are told: "It will remain important for people to consider the risks for themselves, taking into account whether they and those they meet have been vaccinated or are at greater risk."
This means that someone who has been vaccinated might make the decision that they are comfortable hugging a pal who has also already been jabbed.
And Mr Hancock today warned "it's on all of us" to ensure the UK is able to hit the roadmap dates.
He said: "Right now we need to keep doing what we're doing and staying home to make sure we can keep the rates coming down as we roll the vaccine programme out.
"This is only possible because of the vaccine roadmap which has been amazing, but it's also vital everybody plays their part as they have been doing during lockdown.
It is hoped the country’s 54 million adults will be offered a jab by the end of July.
Recent studies have shown that just one Covid jab offers two-thirds protection against the virus.
Experts found Brits given two shots of the jab saw protection rise to between 79 and 84 per cent, depending on age.
It is understood a review into social distancing will be conducted in the coming months, looking at whether measures including wearing masks and stay 2 metres apart will continue to be used.
The roadmap released overnight stated: "The Government will continually review the evidence of vaccine efficacy, including its impact on transmission.
"As soon as possible, and no later than Step 3, the Government will update its advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging.
"Until then, people should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble, and keep up habits such as regular hand washing and letting in fresh air."
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Scientists have advised Brits to stay 2 metres apart to avoid catching the deadly virus throughout the pandemic.
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The virus is transmitted by droplets in the air, settling on surfaces and being picked up by others - or when droplets land directly on you.
This means that keeping a distance will make it less likely for droplets from the nose or mouth to land on you when they sneeze or cough.
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