Lincolnshire Coronavirus: “Keep 2m social distance rule”

MPs in central government are calling for the social distancing rule to be dropped in order to help the economy.

They are calling for it to be reduced to one metre, which would be in line with World Health Organisation rules and guidance from The Lancet Medical Journal.

However, Mr Ward said the Lancet’s assessment also said that protection was increased with distance “which would help from a policy and public health perspective”.

“From my perspective, I would like to keep two metres for as long as we can. Because my job is to keep people safe.

“I am absolutely convinced that two metres significantly reduces the risk. And basically it means that you’re not going to be in close contact.

“If you get closer you’re increasing your risk, and then it becomes about how long were you that close to somebody.”

Those in close contact with someone who later is diagnosed with coronavirus may be contacted by the NHS tracing service and be forced to self-isolate for 14 days.

National government has been slowly relaxing rules over the past few weeks, with the latest changes allowing single adult households to form “social bubbles” with another single household in a bid to tackle loneliness.

From Monday, many more shops on the High Street will also reopen, while wearing face coverings on public transport will become a requirement.