As first was going to press, the Government was working on a review of the two-metre social-distancing rule, which was expected to report by 4 July.
The review was announced as some lockdown restrictions were eased, allowing non-essential shops and places of worship to reopen – as long as social distancing is observed – and the return of Premier League football.
Councils across the country worked with retailers to widen pavements, remove parking bays and street furniture, and reallocate town centre road space for pedestrians, to create space for queuing outside shops, as well as providing signage and guidance for shoppers.
The Government is encouraging councils and other providers to open public toilets, wherever possible. The LGA has said councils are taking individual local decisions about public toilets based on a risk assessment and whether social-distancing measures can be maintained.
Bars, restaurants and pubs could be open from 4 July, but have warned they will struggle to make a profit if the two-metre rule is still in place by then.
Meanwhile, single adult households or single parents with children under the age of 18 are now allowed to form ‘support bubbles’ with one other household. They can spend time with each other inside their homes, and do not need to meet outside.
But it is now mandatory for public transport users and people visiting hospitals and other NHS settings to wear face coverings.