The next stage of the roadmap is set to go ahead. At tonight’s No. 10 press conference, Boris Johnson announced from next Monday, 17 May, groups of up to six (or two households) can meet indoors, while up to 30 people will be able to meet up outside. Face coverings in school classrooms will be scrapped, and there will no longer be a cap on the number of people attending a funeral. Indoor hospitality can reopen, including restaurants and pubs, while hotels, cinemas and theatres can also open their doors, albeit with social distancing still in place.
The one-metre plus rule means that while many may start to feel like things are getting back to normal – booking a meal inside, having a weekend away – many businesses will still be operating under surreal circumstances, unable to turn a profit. On the personal level, however, more freedoms are being restored: government guidance will give the green light to those who want to hug and kiss friends and family, asking people to use their own judgement and do their own risk assessment when doing so.
While the Prime Minister once again ruled out moving the final roadmap date of 21 June forward (when supposedly all restrictions lift) Johnson was notably more optimistic at today’s press conference about the prospects of returning to normal life – and the role vaccines are playing to get us there.
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