PM unveils blueprint for next step in easing lockdown despite warning it is ‘not risk-free’

Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Trouble viewing? [View in browser]( [Image]( [Image] Daily coronavirus briefing Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust PM unveils blueprint for next step in easing lockdown despite warning it is ‘not risk-free’ Pubs, restaurants, cinemas and hotels [can reopen in England from 4 July](, when the two-metre social distancing rule will be slashed to one metre, Boris Johnson has confirmed in a statement in the House of Commons. The announcement - which also covers museums, galleries and places of worship - amounted to the most significant loosening of restrictions since lockdown was introduced on 23 March. New guidance will also allow indoor gatherings of members of two households in homes, bars and eateries, as well as on holiday in shared accommodation or neighbouring tents. But the public has been urged by Mr Johnson and his chief scientific advisers to [proceed with caution](. As the prime minister proclaimed “our long national hibernation” is over and agreed with a Tory MP who suggested people should “do their patriotic best for Britain” by going to pubs when they reopen, Sir Patrick Vallance, speaking at the final Downing Street daily briefing, warned that the PM’s package was “not risk-free”. Chief medical officer Chris Whitty meanwhile predicted that Covid-19 would still be circulating at “significant” levels at least until the spring of 2021. The public have also been told to [continue wearing face coverings]( “as a matter of course” despite the relaxation of social distancing measures by a collective of leading doctors. The British Medical Association said the UK government should make masks mandatory and follow other nations in ensuring there is no shortage of coverings to minimise the risk of infection. Podcast [Image]( The Independent Coronavirus Podcast Subscribe now wherever you listen for all the latest coronavirus news. [Listen now]( The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider a [contribution]( or [subscription](. Top stories [I'm an image]( PREMIUM [Will the benefits of Johnson’s reopening outweigh the potential costs?]( [I'm an image]( [UK lockdown: Can I see my family and friends under new rules?]( [I'm an image]( [Government hopeful gyms can reopen in mid-July]( More news [Plans to ‘check in’ to pubs to be monitored over data fears]( [MPs oppose Commons debates on bullying and harassment complaints]( [Who were the three victims of the Reading terror attack?]( [Porn star Ron Jeremy charged with rape and sexual assault]( [London train going wrong way stops metres away from head-on crash]( [Subscribe today 3 months for £3]( Suggested for you [I'm an image]( ['Extraordinarily risky' to lift lockdown measures now, scientist warns]( [I'm an image]( [Invest in infrastructure now to create over 1m jobs, urges TUC]( [I'm an image]( [UK Border Force doesn’t know how many detention facilities it runs]( [I'm an image]( [Government announces funding to help rough sleepers stay off streets]( Follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe]({optout_confirm_url + '&list_name=' + blast.list}). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.