MIND THE GAP

Boris Johnson aims to reduce two metre rule to help pubs and shops reopen soon

BORIS Johnson is aiming to reduce the two-metre social distancing rule to help pubs and shops reopen soon.

He told MPs today on the Liaison Committee he hoped once the virus rates go down "we will be able to reduce that distance" and get bars up and running again.

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He said: "[There is a] considerable reduction in risk at that distance, compared to a smaller gap.

"My own hope is that as we make progress in getting the virus down... we will be able to reduce that distance which I think will be particularly valuable on (public) transport and in the hospitality sector.

"Their answer is that that is what they feel is the right interval for us. We rely and have done throughout on the guidance we get from our advisers and that is what they think is appropriate at the moment but... that may evolve."

It comes as the PM confirmed Britain's coronavirus test and trace system will go live from tomorrow. 

As The Sun reported last night, the nation's 25,000 tracers will soon get to work on tracking down coronavirus if it continues to spread across the country.

He revealed the Government will use "whack-a-mole" tactics to lockdown specific areas if any flare ups occur.

The PM told MPs this afternoon: "This is our way out, this is our way of defeating the virus, getting our country back on its feet and I think people will want to work together.

"Of course we will keep sanctions on the table and as we develop the system we will review constantly."

It comes as

• Britain could be "'back to normal by August"
• Local lockdowns could be thrown in place from Thursday
• Dentists could treat patients in next three weeks
• Ebola drug given green light to treat coronavirus
• The government has revealed the full list of retailers that can reopen on June 15
• Barbecues and garden parties could be allowed by the end of June
• Small numbers of children will head back to class when schools reopen from next week

The PM also faced a heated grilling from politicians on lockdown rules, and whether he was right to keep his top aide in post despite being accused of breaking the rules.

He has stood by Mr Cummings despite a flurry of public anger, and condemnation from MPs.

But the aide insists he acted legally and reasonably by driving 260 miles up to Durham while he was sick with coronavirus, to make sure that he was near family in case they needed to look after his young son.

Boris told MPs this afternoon: "What we need to do now, as politicians, as leaders, is to set aside this row because I'm afraid a lot of allegations turned out to be totally false, and to move on.

"I have said what I have to say about that matter."

And he ruled out an inquiry into the matter, saying  it was not a good use of time when the country was focused on coronavirus.
He told the SNP MP Pete Wishart, who lashed out at the PM: "You're making a political point and a piece of political advice.

"I consider that what this Government needs to do is focus on the needs of the nation, and sorting out the problems, and on getting our message across, and that is what we are going to do."

VIRUS DEATHS

It comes as the UK coronavirus death toll has risen to 37,460 after 412 more fatalities were recorded in the last 24 hours.

Today's spike in deaths is more than three times greater than yesterday's, when 134 fatalities were logged.

This is likely to be due to a lag in reporting over the long weekend when figures tend to be lower.

Today's jump is also bigger than the rise recorded last Wednesday (363) - however it remains smaller than every rise recorded on a Wednesday since lockdown began.

In England, 26,049 hospital patients have died from the virus – up 183 from yesterday’s tally.

The rise, recorded by NHS England, is larger than any daily jump recorded in England since last Thursday, when 187 deaths were logged.

Again, this is likely to be due to a lag in reporting over the long weekend.

Last night the Health Secretary suggested Britain has met four out of five tests for lifting the lockdown after sealing a huge PPE deal.

Speaking during the Government's daily coronavirus briefing, Matt Hancock revealed "significant progress" had been made on securing enough vital equipment to help protect those working on the front line in hospitals and care homes.

The Government did not outline specify, however, whether the new PPE supplies would cover dentists.

MPs have been pushing for dental surgeries to reopen, telling dentists to prepare to treat patients in the next three weeks.

Plans announced in Scotland stated that urgent care centres will be opened first followed by dental practices - England is set to follow these plans.