London – Hugs and indoor gatherings could return from next Monday, as the prime minister is due to confirm the next stage of lockdown easing in England.
Boris Johnson is expected to say the data supports a further relaxation of measures, which would also include indoor hospitality reopening.
Ministers will meet in the morning to agree the next step, due on May 17.
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has said No 10 wants to see “friendly contact” between people restored.
Under the next stage of the government’s road map for lifting England’s lockdown, people will be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors, while six people, or two households, can meet indoors.
People will also be allowed to stay overnight with those not in their household or bubble. Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues such as cinemas and soft play areas will be permitted to reopen indoors.
The rest of the accommodation sector and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes are expected to reopen.
Some foreign holidays are also set to be allowed. On Friday, the government announced that 12 countries would be placed on England’s travel green list, meaning anyone returning from those destinations will not need to quarantine from 17 May.
On Sunday, the UK recorded another two deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test and a further 1 770 cases.
The government said the latest data suggested that easing restrictions from May 17 was unlikely to risk a resurgence in infections. It said infection rates were at the lowest level since September 2020 and hospital admissions were continuing to decrease. (BBC)
