Boris Johnson set to reopen pubs, restaurants and hairdressers from July 4th

Boris Johnson is set to outline plans for the hospitality sector tomorrow including what to expect for pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and salons.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister said the fight against coronavirus for the past three months has meant ‘it will be possible to open up more’ now. 

“The disease is increasingly under control and I just want people to reflect on that important fact,” he added in a Downing Street interview.

It is expected that guidance regarding how each sector can reopen and how each business can do their bit to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they reopen will be announced tomorrow also.

The public is also expected to be warned that any of the new relaxations will be the first to be reversed if any widespread breaches cause the virus to spread uncontrollably. 

A No 10 spokesperson said: “The reason we are able to move forward this week is because the vast majority of people have taken steps to contain the virus. The more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social-distancing rules.

“We will not hesitate to put the handbrake on to stop the virus running out of control.”

It also looking increasingly likely that the 2-metre social distancing rule will be lowered and other mitigations put in place – such as wearing face masks – to prevent the spread of a second wave. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that England is ‘clearly on track’ for further lockdown easing, acknowledging that ‘a lot of the country does need a haircut’ in an interview with Sky. 

Mr Hancock has not ‘ruled out’ hairdressers and barbers being open on July 4th, as long as other arrangements such as perspex screens, masks and seating being spread out are put in place, if the 2-metre rule is relaxed. 

Mr Hancock has also not ruled out suggestions that VAT could be cut in order to encourage spending, however, he stated this is ‘very much a matter for the Chancellor’. 

The Health Secretary also said a reduction in the distancing rule will help schools, making reference to Northern Ireland where it will be reduced to one metre.

Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement regarding the next stage of lockdown easing tomorrow.