British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an easing of England's strict coronavirus lockdown, with its 2-metre social distancing rule reduced to 1 metre "plus" and pubs, cinemas and hairdressers set to open in early July.
Also set to reopen are restaurants, museums and cinemas — all of which have been shut since the UK went into lockdown on March 23.
"Today we can say that our long, national hibernation is beginning to come to an end," Mr Johnson told the House of Commons.
All hospitality indoors will be limited to table service with minimal contact between staff and customers encouraged, and contact details will be asked of customers to help with the country's track and trace program.
Mr Johnson also announced that two households of any size would be able to meet in any setting, inside or outside, from July 4.
The UK has been one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19, with the official death toll standing at more than 42,000 people, but Mr Johnson said the new infections were declining by between 2 and 4 per cent every day in June, and the Government believed there was no risk of a second wave.
"This pandemic has inflicted permanent scars and we mourn everyone we have lost," he said.
"While we remain vigilant, we do not believe there is currently a risk of a second peak of infections that might overwhelm the NHS (National Health Service)."
Social distancing has been reduced from 2 metres to "1 metre plus" where 2 metres is not possible, providing masks or protective screens are used.
Also allowed to reopen on July 4 will be places of worship — allowing for weddings of up to 30 people — as well as most leisure centres and tourist attractions such as theme parks.
Hotels, B&Bs, hostels, holiday homes and camp and caravan sites will also be allowed to reopen in a bid to boost the UK's struggling local tourism industry.
Places such as nightclubs, indoor gyms, bowling alleys and swimming pools will remain closed.
The new loosening of the lockdown will only apply to England, with the devolved nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each setting their own coronavirus restrictions.
