BORIS Johnson will announce today that lockdown rules WILL be relaxed from next week – but people will be told it's time to take personal responsibility for their actions.
The PM is due to tell the nation this afternoon that they can finally mix indoors with others, have exercise classes – and even go on holiday.
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But in a dramatic change of tone, the PM is expected to finally say it's up to Brits to make up their own mind on what level of risk to take, as the number of Covid cases continues to plateau.
He is set to say that hug-starved Brits will be allowed to embrace once again, after over a year of urging people to stay apart in case of spreading Covid.
At the moment anyone who doesn't live together is advised to keep at least 1.5 metres away from others to stop the spread of the virus, but he will say that it's now down to the individual to make up their own minds.
People will be told its up to them to choose the level of risk they are prepared to take by mixing and hugging.
The huge shift in message will take strict Covid rules and regulations off the state as Britain gets its biggest opening up yet on May 17.
Only nightclubs and a few other venues will remain closed until June 21, where the PM hopes to lift all rules.
And social distancing and masks are expected to stay for a little while longer too.
The changes coming from May 17 are expected to include:
- Six people will be allowed to meet inside again – or up to two households
- The rule of six will be lifted outside to 30 people
- Hotels can reopen and holidays abroad will finally be allowed – to a certain set of green list countries
- Exercise classes will be back on again
- Hugs between close family and friends are set to get the green light
- Overnight stays with people you don't live with are expected to be allowed
- Pubs and restaurants will finally be allowed to open inside
- Funerals will be allowed to have more people attend – as many as the venue can safely allow
- Other indoor activities such as cinemas, museums and kids play areas
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