The strict rules shoppers have been forced to follow during the Covid pandemic are set to change from July 19.
Yesterday Boris Johnson confirmed that social distancing measures and face mask requirements will be scrapped on 'Freedom Day', among a list of other rules being lifted.
The new laws extend to supermarkets and shops, as MEN reports.
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The PM's official spokesman said prior to the announcement that "we will move from legal restrictions on our day-to-day lives, and advise people how to manage the risks in order to protect themselves and others."
According to PA, Boris Johnson described summer as a “firebreak” allowing a reopening now, rather than in winter which would be a more “difficult time” or delaying until next year.
He said: “If we don’t go ahead now when we’ve clearly done so much with the vaccination programme to break the link between infection and death.
“If we don’t go ahead now when the summer firebreak is coming up, the school holidays, all the advantages that that should give us in fighting the virus, then the question is, ‘when would we go ahead?’. Particularly given the likelihood the virus will have an extra advantage in the colder months, in the autumn, and in the winter.
“So we run the risk of either opening up at a very difficult time when the virus has an edge, has an advantage in the colder months, or again putting everything off to next year so I do think it’s going to be a very balanced decision next week.”
Supermarkets and shops may choose to have their own rules in place, so it's important to check before entering.
Here's how the rules will change for shoppers in line with government guidance:
- Social contact limits scrapped
There will no longer be limits on social contact - with the rule of six indoors and rule of 30 outdoors, which limited gatherings by law, both gone.
This means groups of unlimited people will now be able to shop together.
- Social distancing scrapped except in certain places
The one metre plus rule will also be axed in shops and supermarkets.
- Legal requirement to wear face mask axed
You will not longer be required to wear a face mask by law in all settings.
Guidance will be issued and suggest people might choose to wear a face-covering in enclosed and crowded places, but this will be voluntary.
What do you think about the rule changes? Leave your comments below.
