This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
On June 23, 2020, England's Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a significant easing of lockdown restrictions, paving the way for the reopening of pubs, restaurants, and hotels from July 4.
As part of the plan, social distancing measures will be relaxed from two meters to one meter-plus, with the 'plus' referring to measures such as wearing masks and using protective screens.
Johnson emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, encouraging people to return to England's pubs but to act responsibly and provide their names on arrival.
Additionally, the changes will allow two households to meet in any setting, and all schools will reopen in September, according to Johnson.
Businesses have cautiously welcomed the measures, with Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, stating that while the move is a step in the right direction, broader efforts will still be needed to help firms trade their way out of the crisis.
Britain has one of the highest death tolls in the world from COVID-19, but the number of cases has been steadily falling, with health officials reporting just 15 new deaths on June 22, the lowest rise since mid-March.
