Coronavirus: Gamble for Boris Johnson as he announces risky relaxation of lockdown restrictions

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The announcement comes amid continuing disagreement among scientists about the safety of lifting lockdown measures, with the Independent Sage group – led by former chief scientific adviser Sir David King –warning that the rate of infection is still “far too high” to go ahead. The Tourism Alliance said that the inclusion of hotels and other tourist facilities in the 4 July reopening was vital to an industry which has already lost an estimated £40bn this year, while UK Hospitality said that the reduction of the two-metre rule will be “make or break” for many businesses. The two-metre rule is expected to be revised to “one metre plus”, so that people will have to remain at the existing minimum distance unless they have taken mitigation measures such as wearing face coverings. “Sticking to the two-metre rule will mean that most venues will be restricted to about 30 per cent capacity, whereas a reduction to one metre would allow most to trade at about 70 per cent capacity,” she said “That could be make or break for a business.