Two-metre coronavirus social distancing rule could be scrapped to allow more schools and businesses to reopen
THE two-metre coronavirus social distancing rule could be scrapped to allow more schools and businesses to reopen.
The Government is said to be examining a number of possibilities for the eventual easing of coronavirus restrictions.
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"[Ministers have] asked Sage to get us further and better particulars as to how hard and fast that really is. It is important to understand how much reliance has to be placed on it.
“The response genuinely has been led by the science. It is just about understanding exactly what is required and what isn’t.
“This is not about weakening the rules but it is about trying to test if it is actually necessary to be two metres. What is the empirical evidence on this?"
Last month it was revealed schools could reopen in the summer.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said he wanted “nothing more” than to see kids back in the classrooms across the nation — but he shot down rumours school gates would open again in May.
Instead, education chiefs are discussing plans for limited opening in June at the earliest.
As part of the opening up of schools, it is thought primaries will reopen first and then secondary schools.
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock also stressed schools will only reopen when it's safe.
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But he did not directly address the question of whether concerned parents may be fined for keeping their kids at home over coronavirus fears.
Last night, Ireland revealed that its coronavirus lockdown was being extended until May 18 - with plans for schools to reopen in September.
Leader Leo Varadkar announced the strict coronavirus restrictions will be eased for exercise and over-70s.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised the nation he would outline the blueprints for how we will be released from the lockdown next week.
Last night, The Sun revealed Boris wants Britain to be back at work Tuesday May 26 as long as coronavirus cases are low enough.
And under the potential revisions being looked at by Sage, commuters could be told to check their temperature before leaving for work.
This would be to ease the surge of people rushing to get back to work and more normal life after the coronavirus lockdown is lifted.
Primary schools in Denmark opened their doors again last month after being in lockdown, and Mr Williamson confirmed that the Government was monitoring their situation.
French schools will also open again early this month.
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