When will social distancing end?

People in the UK have been social distancing since March 2020 (Picture: Tolga Akmen / AFP)

Since the pandemic began, social distancing has been in place, but some sources think the practice may be scrapped soon.

Recent scenes at Heathrow showed many people not adhering to the distancing rules, but the guidance is still technically in place.

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock had to resign after footage of a workplace clinch was released, showing him break his own department’s rules.

Many are now wondering when the coronavirus measures will end.

When will social distancing end?

The results of a new government research project could determine when social distancing is scrapped in the UK.

It’s thought that the results of the review will be released before the so-called freedom day, on July 19.

The results of government research will be released before ‘freedom day’ (Picture: Getty)

It’s focusing in particular on:

• The ‘1m plus social distancing rules
• Face coverings
• Working from home and returning to workplaces
• Helping people make ‘informed personal choices’

Some government ministers, including George Eustice, have said that they will stop wearing their masks after the final stage of the roadmap.

The two other official projects are focusing on large events, and travel restrictions.

The results of the former found that there was a minimal spread of coronavirus at live music concerts like the Brit Awards – but it was also recently revealed that the Scotland v England Euro 2020 match caused 2,000 new infections.

Travel restrictions continue to be updated every three weeks. Currently, there are a minimal number of countries on the green list, including some Caribbean islands.

Other popular travel locations, like Portugal and Greece, remain on the amber list.

What are the current social distancing rules in the UK?

Across the UK, social distancing guidance says you should be 2m apart from people who aren’t in your bubble.

However, there are some exceptions.

Social distancing measures are still in place currently (Picture: Getty)

In England, you can be ‘1m plus’ if 2m isn’t possible – although wearing masks is encouraged.

You can use your ‘personal judgement’ to hug people outside of your bubble, too.

In Scotland, restaurants can seat people 1m apart if there’s increased ventilation.

In private homes, there are no limitations to how close you can get to people not in your bubble.

Most people over the age of 18 have had their first jab (Picture: PA)

For people in Northern Ireland, social distancing at 1m is still required – and you could be fined a minimum of £200 for not adhering. This doesn’t apply in a private home, however.

Social distancing is still required in Wales, and hugs are restricted to extended households only.

Most people over 18 have now had their first jab, and the risks of Covid are reducing as a result.

However, it’s still not known how well vaccines prevent you from passing the virus to other people – although initial data is encouraging.

It is thought that booster jabs might be needed to tackle new variants and increase the amount of time a person is protected for.

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MORE : Nightclubs ‘to reopen without needing test or vaccine passport’ on July 19

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