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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Saffron Otter

Boris Johnson says social distancing could end by November

Boris Johnson said he hoped for a “more significant return to normality by November” with a review over social distancing guidelines.

The Prime Minister announced that changes to allow close contact between family and friends could come in time for Christmas.

Mr Johnson’s comment came as he announced further reopening of the economy in a press conference on Friday.

Speaking from Downing Street, he said: “Throughout this period we will look to allow more close contact between friends and family where we can.

“It is my strong hope that we will be able to review the restrictions and allow a more significant return to normality from November at the earliest, possibly in time for Christmas.”

From August 1, most remaining leisure settings including bowling, skating rinks, and casinos will be able to reopen, while close contact services with beauticians can resume.

However nightclubs and soft play areas need to remain closed, Mr Johnson said, but they will be kept under review.

He added: “We will restart indoor performances to a live audience, subject to the success of pilots, and we will also pilot larger gatherings in venues like sport stadia, with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn.

“We will also allow wedding receptions for up to 30 people.”

Meanwhile, local authorities in England will have new powers from Saturday to tackle coronavirus outbreaks.

The new powers will allow councils and ministers to close specific premises, shut down outdoor space, and cancel events.

Stay at home orders could also be imposed, Boris Johnson added.

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