Social Distancing: 2 Metre Rule

Announced that a review of the 2 metre guidance is being conducted by experts including chief medical officers, scientists and economists. He stated that the review will consider evidence on transmission in different environments and international comparisons.

Reiterated his request for a scientific review of social distancing rules and questioned why the UK's 2 metre rule is stricter than other countries'. He called for the review to be completed before 4 July, allowing businesses to plan effectively.

Congratulated Greg Clark on securing the urgent question and questioned why a promised review was delayed. He highlighted concerns about financial support for businesses if guidelines change, and emphasised the importance of an operational testing and tracing system.

I am grateful to the shadow Minister, as always, for his remarks... This is not a binary question; it is not just about distance. We must look at it in the round.

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing this urgent question... He highlights the importance of looking at the impact of covid-19, not just in the immediate context of health outcomes, but at its broader social and economic impact.

The risk of viral spread is influenced not just by distance... We all recognise the impact on the hospitality sector, but surely a second wave would be devastating.

Increasingly, face coverings look effective. Would it not be worth relaxing some measures... Tightening up in other areas, such as requiring the compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops.

A number of businesses in my constituency were home to a thriving nightlife... Will the Minister take into account the particular nature of this sector?

If our objective is to work towards social and economic normality while maintaining our hard-won control over the virus... Is the acceptable rate of infection—below 1—a scientific or political decision?

The Minister emphasised that while the Government recognises the need to relax restrictions as incidence and infection levels decrease, it is crucial to proceed cautiously based on scientific evidence. He highlighted that in its first week of operation, the test and trace system has shown promising results but acknowledged there was still more work to be done.

The hon. Member questioned whether local authorities have the necessary data for effective test and tracing, highlighting concerns raised by NHS leaders and scientists about the system's readiness for further easing of lockdown measures.

The hon. Member asked why social distancing and face masks were still necessary if R values approached zero in some areas, suggesting a return to normalcy would be possible at that point.

My hon. Friend requested reassurance that issues related to reopening pubs and other businesses would be prioritised in reviewing the 2-metre rule, stressing the economic importance of these sectors.

The hon. Member questioned the basis for reducing social distancing measures without clear scientific consensus, highlighting the need to balance economic advice with public health considerations during the review process.

My right hon. Friend urged the Government to announce a reduction of social distancing measures sooner rather than later, citing overwhelming economic evidence and concerns about job losses in the hospitality industry.

The hon. Lady asked for confirmation on what extra financial support was available to help small businesses cover costs associated with reopening, noting that such changes were time-consuming and costly.

My hon. Friend supported recent statements about re-evaluating social distancing measures as new cases fall and highlighted the importance of providing safe conditions for business recovery to protect jobs.

The hon. Member called on the Minister to support a local campaign promoting local shopping and asked for counter-measures to ensure protection for tourism and hospitality sectors during the pandemic.

My hon. Friend requested a commitment from the Minister to share his Department’s scientific evidence with devolved Assemblies, enabling informed decision-making on economic survival versus precautionary measures.

Reports that there is a 2.6% chance of catching COVID-19 at 1 metre and a 1.3% chance at 2 metres according to The Lancet, citing the WHO recommendation for 1 metre. Calls for the government to act now on this decision.

Responds by acknowledging that the WHO recommends a minimum of 1 metre but emphasises the need for a balanced approach considering both health and economic impacts. Announces a review to gather scientific evidence for making an informed decision.

Points out that people often push boundaries when given social distancing guidelines, suggesting that reducing the distance might lead to closer proximity among individuals. Advocates maintaining the 2 metre rule until it is definitively safe.

Supports the current social distancing measures and agrees that any reduction should only occur after thorough risk assessment confirms safety.

Advocates for an immediate review of holiday park regulations to allow their reopening, which would aid coastal towns economically.

Warns that reducing the distance limit may have little impact on venues like theatres and music halls. Requests that the review consider this issue comprehensively.

Requests swift reporting from the Prime Minister's comprehensive review to aid businesses eager for reopening.

Critiques the government for failing in various aspects of managing the pandemic and argues against reducing social distancing due to prioritising profit over public safety.

Suggests that guidelines may differ based on whether activities occur indoors or outdoors, proposing more flexible rules for outdoor spaces in the hospitality industry.

Urges consultation with devolved administrations during the review process to maintain consistency across the UK. Asks about mechanisms for this collaboration.

Calls for a flexible approach allowing some businesses to operate at 1 metre while others remain at 2 metres, stressing the importance of balancing safety and business needs.

Raises concerns about international comparisons being misleading due to varying infection rates. Asks for assurance that commercial interests will not override public health needs in decision-making.

Expresses the urgent need for reduced social distancing measures for business survival and recovery, requesting detailed guidance from the review to aid implementation.

Responded to concerns about the review of social distancing measures, emphasising that decisions will be based on scientific evidence. Reiterated commitment to balance public health with economic recovery.

Expressed concern about the review potentially recommending a reduction in social distancing measures from 2 metres to 1 metre, highlighting Scotland's more cautious approach.

Asked for support and relaxation of social distancing rules for businesses in Blackpool South given its high unemployment rate and reliance on tourism and leisure sectors.

Discussed the pub trade's employment figures, suggesting that a reduction to 1 metre could help more pubs open safely. Raised health issues caused by long queues for takeaways.

Asked about the impact of social distancing rules on returning children to school and visited his former primary school to see measures being taken.

Questioned whether the Government should change crucial social distancing measures given ongoing issues with testing, tracing, and rising R rates in some regions.

Agreed that a cautious approach is necessary to avoid resurgences seen elsewhere, supporting the Minister's stance on reviewing evidence thoroughly.

Suggested extending financial support to businesses unable to reopen due to social distancing requirements being financially unviable.

Called for greater flexibility on social distancing rules in schools and urged the review team to consider urgent measures before September.

Asked about specific advice for vulnerable or shielding individuals, emphasising that health factors should weigh heavily in decision-making.

Discussed the serious public health consequences of even slight increases in the R number and asked for detailed projections on potential impacts if social distancing measures are relaxed.

Our economy is heading for a deep recession, and the Government were slow to lock down, slow on PPE and slow on testing, tracking and tracing. As a result, we have the second highest death rate in the world. Easing the 2 metre rule will cost more lives. Not easing it will lead to millions unemployed. Either way, the Government’s negligence means that people are going to continue to suffer.

Throughout, the Government have taken advice from the best scientists and clinicians we have available, and we have looked around the world as well. That is exactly what this review will do. When the review reports, advisers will have given advice and Ministers will decide on the basis of that advice.

One in five jobs in Eastbourne rely on hospitality. UKHospitality estimates that at 2 metres, businesses will operate at an unsustainably crippling 30% revenue, but at 1 metre, they would operate at between 60% and 70% and approach breaking even. We must of course pursue a safe recovery, as the Minister has outlined, but with the summer season now upon us and with opportunities to trade being time-sensitive, can he assure me that this guidance is being considered with the utmost urgency?

Before it is safe to reduce the 2 metre rule, do we not require a world-beating track and trace system to be in place? And does a world-beating track and trace system not require a fully functioning app?

Some hospitality venues in Rushcliffe have told me that even if they were allowed to open, doing so with a 2 metre rule in place would make their business economically unviable. Can the Minister reassure the owners of those businesses in my constituency that the Government are listening to their concerns and that that reality will be factored into Government policy across the board?

If the review is based on genuine scientifically robust debate, I will have no problem with it, but does the Minister accept that if the Government are going to move from 2 metres to 1 metre, they cannot do so on the night before 14 July and expect consumers to have the confidence to go back into bars and other places? It is fine and well to have the review, but there has to be good public messaging as well.

On the health arguments, should we not remember that our hospitals have lost capacity in order to operate at 2 metres, and will the Minister assure me that the review will look at how many more beds we could get into hospitals to deal with the elective surgery backlog once they are safe in terms of covid?