Coronavirus: Boris Johnson warns people not to 'overdo it' as pubs prepare to reopen on Saturday
Downing Street reveals the PM will appear at a Downing Street news conference on Friday ahead of the easing of the restrictions.
Thursday 2 July 2020 15:58, UK
Downing Street has warned people not to "overdo it" when the coronavirus lockdown in England is eased this weekend.
Pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to welcome customers for the first time in more than three months on Saturday amid the coronavirus pandemic.
When he announced the major relaxation of the COVID-19 lockdown, Boris Johnson said "our long, national hibernation is coming to an end" and "life is returning to our streets".
But as the weekend nears, the prime minister's spokesman has said: "We do want people to be able to enjoy themselves but at the same time, now we have got coronavirus under control we need to keep it under control.
"The guidance is there, we want people to follow it and then we can make more progress together in the fight against coronavirus.
"The PM has said that it is important that people don't overdo it."
It comes after the Treasury posted a tweet on its Twitter account which urged people to "grab a drink and raise a glass, pubs are reopening their doors from 4 July".
The message was later deleted after attracting criticism.
Mr Johnson will appear at a Downing Street news conference on Friday ahead of the easing of the restrictions.
Hairdressers and barbers will also reopen on Saturday, as will hotels, leisure facilities and tourist attractions.
Asked if the PM would be visiting a pub or restaurant himself on Saturday, his spokesman said: "He's talked about his enthusiasm for a haircut and pint previously but I don't know exactly what he's doing on Saturday yet."
When asked if Mr Johnson would get a haircut, he responded: "It will be plain for all to see next week what he's been doing at the weekend if that does happen."
Listen to the Daily podcast on , , ,
The two-metre social distancing rule will also be reduced.
From Saturday, people will be required to keep one-metre apart from others, while also taking measures to mitigate the risk of transmitting the virus.
This includes wearing a face mask on public transport, regular handwashing, being outside and limiting time spent with others.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he did not yet have plans to go to the pub this weekend.
"We do need the lockdown to be eased and we support the principle of easing the lockdown," he added.
"We've got to be alive to the risks, which is why it's very important the government can demonstrate the track, trace and isolate scheme is working well and that we can deal with spikes and local outbreaks."