Calls from parliament to change the social distancing 2m rule

MPs in the House of Commons are prompting the government to review 2m social distancing – arguing that the rule makes operating impossible for certain businesses.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) latest official recommendations state that people should stay 1m apart wherever possible.

This has already been incorporated in other European countries such as France and Denmark.

Germany is instructing its citizens to stay 1.5m apart, as is Australia.

During questioning on the matter, cabinet ministers have continually repeated that the social distancing guidelines in Britain are under “constant review.”

However, the dire economic outlook for the UK – with forecasts suggesting Britain could be the worst-hit developed country financially – has led to backbenchers campaigning for immediate change.

The argument for 1m restrictions is that retail and restaurants would be able to trade more effectively and welcome back more customers – subsequently giving the economy a much-needed boost.

According to The Guardian, distancing could be relaxed if other precautions are taken instead – such as making face masks mandatory and seating customers/staff back-to-back.

Health ministers have repeatedly emphasised that at least some form of social distancing will need to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Fresh advice is set to be published shortly for pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, barbers and salons to help them trade safely in the post-lockdown climate.