Cinemas, museums and galleries in England are to be allowed to re-open from 4 July, in the latest move by Boris Johnson to restore normal life after the three-month coronavirus lockdown.
But, as the government moves to rescue the arts and culture, they are likely to be ordered to introduce one-way systems, spaced queueing, increased ventilation and pre-booked tickets.
At the same time, the prime minister is taking the axe to the two-metre social distancing rule, as he also throws open the doors of England’s pubs, restaurants and hairdressers after the lockdown.
In a shake-up demanded by Tory MPs that will delight business chiefs, drinkers, foodies and anyone needing a haircut, Mr Johnson will confirm the changes will all take effect from 4 July.
The lockdown easing for the arts and culture will also be warmly welcomed by the hospitality and entertainment industries, which have feared catastrophic financial losses and closures.
Mr Johnson is also expected to announce an expansion of “social bubbles” in which people will be allowed to mix freely, in changes aimed at helping more children see their grandparents.
But the prime minister will make clear that the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep the coronavirus under control and any easing of restrictions could be reversed if the virus risks running out of control.
“We are only able to move forward this week because the vast majority of people have taken steps to control the virus,” a Number 10 source said.
“But the more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing guidelines. We will not hesitate to reverse these steps if it is necessary to stop the virus running out of control.”
