Clear guidance

The Government is expected tomorrow to announce that the two-metre social distancing requirement will be lowered, though not until July 4. We would prefer this to be done forthwith but at least businesses that might otherwise not reopen at the higher distance will be able to plan knowing it is to be reduced.

It is crucial that this new provision is made clear and not subject to equivocation. The suggestion of an updated rule called “one metre plus” is acceptable provided the “plus” part does not involve sending out a confusing message about what is and is not allowed.

Further uncertainty would be disastrous. Pubs, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, hotels and all the other enterprises that rely on people coming through the door in relatively large numbers need to be sure they can trade profitably. One reason why this announcement needs to be made this week is because quarterly rental contracts are due and owners who think they may not be able to reopen profitably might be tempted instead to give up.

The lowering of the two-metre limit will bring the UK into line with most other countries in the world and is in keeping with the recommendation of the World Health Organisation. It is not a gamble and need not be seen as such. The configurations required by maintaining two metres have made it impossible to reopen schools fully and would not be feasible for most hospitality businesses.

Since the Government has finally listened to those calling for the two-metre rule to be dropped will ministers now turn their attention to the 14-day quarantine imposed on all travellers to the UK with no apparent scientific backing? Rather than negotiate “air bridges” the simplest approach is to drop the measure altogether.