Boris advises: Wear a mask at the shops

New guidance also hints that one household may soon be able to meet with another

PEOPLE in England should wear face coverings in some settings, say ministers.

They are also looking at ways which could include people being able to link up with one other household in a ‘bubble.’

The government’s new document about the gradual easing of the lockdown, said one household may in future be allowed to join up with another as a way of easing the longterm restrictions on people’s lives.

The Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has been asked to look at the model going forward as people get set to live with social distancing measures in the longterm. However, for now, people are being told to only socialise with their current household.

The new plan for England sets out what the Government sees as being possible now and what may be possible in the future. It says:

■ International travellers will be asked to quarantine for 14 days when they enter the country, either in accommodation of their choice or provided by the Government.

■ The Government’s ambition is that all primary school children will be able to go to school for a month before the summer holidays.

■ Non-essential retail could be able to open from June 1 if proven they can keep people safe.

■ The Government is examining ‘how to enable people to gather in slightly larger groups to better facilitate small weddings.’

■ Face coverings should be worn in enclosed spaces such as public transport and some shops. They should not be worn by the under-twos, young children who will find them hard to manage and those with respiratory conditions. Surgical face masks should be reserved for health workers.

■ Those who are not in the shielded group but who are more vulnerable to Covid-19, such as the over-70s, should ‘continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their households, but do not need to be shielded.’

■ Cultural and sporting events will be able to take place behind closed doors for broadcast from next month.

■ No earlier than July 4, the ambition is to ‘open at least some of the remaining businesses and premises that have been required to close, including hairdressers and beauty salons, pubs and hotels, places of worship and leisure facilities.’

The Government is also amending its guidance to clarify that paid childcare, for example nannies and childminders, can happen as long as good public health measures are adhered to. This could help parents return to work.