‘I think we may be able to do things faster than I previously thought’

hope for the hospitality sector as the Boris Johnson admitted he has already asked the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (Sage) to review the two meter social distancing rule.

During the Commons liaison committee yesterday, he was asked to explain why we have a policy in this country on social distancing of two meters when the World Health Organisiation recommends one meter and countries which have a good track record of controlling Covid-19 such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Germany are following that.

“The Advice from SAGE continues to be that there is a considerable reduction in risk at two meters,” he explained. “My own hope is that as we make progress we will be able to reduce that distance which I think will be particularly valuable on transport and clearly in the hospitality sector.”

Operators including chef Raymond Blanc, Wagamama chief Andy Hornby and Hospitality Union's Jonathan Downey have said reducing distancing requirements to one metre in line with the WHO recommendations would see more businesses survive the Covid-19 crisis and save thousands of jobs.

The Prime Minister went on to say the government ‘will do whatever is appropriate for each sector’ when it comes to support.

Adding: “On hospitality, we really are trying to go as fast as we can. It is very difficult to bring forward hospitality measures in a way that is in line with social distancing. But I am much more optimistic about that than I was.”

This may mean pubs, bars and restaurants could begin operating ahead of July 4 as previously stated.