The UK government is carrying out an 'urgent' review of the two-metre social distancing rule.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the issue will be 'comprehensively reviewed', with scientists and economists called in to take a 'fresh look' before the government makes a decision on the rule.
The World Health Organisation recommends keeping a distance of at least one metre to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
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The announcement comes after calls have been made for the two-metre rule to be reduced.
Organisations including the British Beer & Pub Association have urged Boris Johnson to change the rule to one-metre, warning that if it stays at two, only around one third of pubs will be able to reopen later this year.
Speaking on Sky News, Sunak said: "The Prime Minister has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule.
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"Now we have made good progress in suppressing the virus, we're at a different stage of the epidemic than we were at the beginning, and that enables us to take a fresh look at this.
"Obviously many other countries around the world use a different rule. We have seen a couple of countries recently - Norway and Denmark - have moved from two metres to something less."
He added: "It is important we look at it comprehensively in the round and that is what we will do urgently."
However, Sunak stressed that while he understands there are concerns from some businesses about the rule, health and safety must come first.
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As of tomorrow, non-essential shops can reopen, with plans for pubs and restaurants to be reopened in July.
Talking about the new measures in place for shops, he said: "People will see tomorrow it's a slightly different experience. Obviously, there's social distancing, a new process for returns.
"There might be one-way systems, there will be screens up everywhere and staff will be able to provide advice and help."
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He went on to stress that shopping is 'safe' and that anyone who goes out tomorrow 'should be able to shop in confidence, knowing that it's safe'.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: UK News