Cheers Boris! Here's To A Brighter Britain

PM: We’re coming out of hibernation but virus still a risk

- Sam Lister

Boris Johnson gave the nation some much-needed cheer yesterday by axing most of the lockdown rules.

The Prime Minister declared the “long national hibernation” is ending with a dramatic easing of coronavirus restrictions from July 4.

It comes more than 100 days after the country was first ordered to close down. Pubs, restaurants and hotels will be able to reopen their doors along with hairdressers, churches and museums.

Families and friends will finally be reunited and the two-metre rule eased where it is impossible to impose. The Prime Minister said he wanted people to get out and “enjoy themselves”, adding he was looking forward to having a haircut and eating at a restaurant.

Church and business leaders said easing lockdown restrictions would bring “joy” back to the country and help revitalise the economy.

Mr Johnson warned he will not hesitate to apply the brakes if there was a coronavirus spike but insisted the British public’s common sense would keep it at bay.

The reforms, he said, would restore a sense of normality after what he called the toughest restrictions in peacetime history.

He said: “Our long national hibernation is beginning to come to an end and life is returning to our streets and to our shops, the bustle is starting to come back and a new, but cautious, optimism is palpable.

“But I must say it will be all too easy for that frost to return and that is why we will continue to trust in the common sense and the community spirit of the British people to follow this guidance to carry us through and to see us to victory over this virus.”