#UK preps for reopening pubs in next phase of easing coronavirus lockdown

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A person wearing a protective face mask walks past a temporarily closed pub in London on Friday.
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Britain is forging ahead with the next phase of life after lockdown now that government scientists have OK’d a cut in social distancing, put in place three months ago to stymie the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the proclamation — much to the delight of his weary nation — not long after the medical experts agreed the distance guideline of about six feet could be reduced if Brits sit only side-by-side and wear face masks as much as possible, the Sun reported.

Johnson didn’t give details of the next phase, which could start July 4, although he made clear he is eager to get the struggling economy back on track.

Britain’s high streets opened last week to big crowds, and London City Airport is seeing traffic again after being closed to commercial flights for nearly three months.

Next up would be pubs, restaurants and hotels — and new rules would be laid out for schools, which could resume in September with class sizes of no more than 30 students.

Also in the works are what government officials are calling “air bridges” with up to 10 countries, which would allow Brits to travel abroad without severe quarantine restrictions.

Johnson is expected to lift a total lockdown for more than 2 million Brits who were designated as “vulnerable” to catching the infection. The UK’s death toll stands at roughly 42,500.

Also Friday, the prime minister urged Brits to overcome their fear of the coronavirus.

“We have got to start thinking of a world in which we are less apprehensive about this disease,” he said. “I hope as we go towards the autumn people will be much, much more confident.”