Hugs back on the menu in UK

Hugging is set to return to English life next week as part of the next stage of easing coronavirus restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday (10 May) that hugging family and close friends can resume as part of measures which will also allow groups of up to six people to stay overnight and socialise in other people’s homes.

International travel without any quarantine requirements will resume to a small group of countries, including Portugal. Social restrictions are set to end altogether in mid-June, according to the government’s timetable.

In the meantime, cinemas, theatres and museums will also be allowed to reopen next week, while pubs and restaurants will be able to have customers indoors.

The UK’s cultural and arts industries have been among those worst affected by the pandemic and have effectively been shut for over a year. (Benjamin Fox | EURACTIV.com)