UK and France reopen, people look forward to hugging

Friends hugged and toasted as Britain’s economy reopened on May 17, giving 65 million civilians freedom after a dismal four-month lockdown.
The UK economy began to “open up” when some restrictions were eased on May 17. France also has very positive signals.

“Will hug everyone who can” Most Britons will be free to hug, albeit with caution, have a few beers in pubs, sit down to eat in restaurants or visit the cinema after a series of strict lockdowns. Britain’s biggest public health crisis in a century has brought parties, gatherings and religious services to a halt, with fines of up to £10,000 ($14,000) for violators. The UK has begun to relax the anti-epidemic restrictions. (Photo: Reuters) British actress Joanna Lumley told The Telegraph: “I’ll literally hug everyone I can.” However, besides the excitement, there is also anxiety. Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people to be cautious and suggested that the spread of the variant first identified in India meant the final reopening in the UK in June could be delayed. “Together, we have reached another important milestone in our path out of lockdown, but this next step must be taken with extreme caution.” he said. There is growing concern about the B.1.617.2 variant, which British scientific advisers say will become the dominant variant in the country, more contagious than B.1.1.7. From May 17 in the UK, gatherings of up to 30 people will be allowed outdoors, two families will be allowed to meet indoors; cafes, bars and restaurants will reopen for indoor service; nursing home residents will be allowed five visitors; and the use of masks will no longer be compulsory in schools. Clare Smyth, head chef of Core restaurant in London, who won her third Michelin star in January, said: “It’s been a long time.” Restrictions will be eased to varying degrees in different regions. The UK death toll from COVID-19 is 127,679 – the highest in Europe and the fifth highest in the world, behind the US, Brazil, India and Mexico, according to Johns Hopkins University. The UK economy last year suffered its worst contraction in three centuries. The government spends hundreds of billions of pounds saving jobs and companies. France opens the door cautiously Meanwhile, with vaccination being accelerated and the number of cases falling, the French are waiting for the anti-epidemic restrictions to be eased on April 19. Groups of up to six people will be able to dine together as restaurants with outdoor spaces open at 50% capacity, people get access to museums, theaters and cinemas, while curfews are in will be rescheduled from 7pm to 9pm. Locations in France will be opened to operate at partial capacity. (Photo: The Connexion) This is the latest step in a gradual reopening plan in France, starting with allowing travel between regions from the beginning of May. Public health official Jerome Salomon told JDD Sunday: “Continued social contact is one of the factors that make up public health” However, some restaurant owners are complaining about serving limits, especially in light of the risk of rain in May. “Imagine you restarting the whole machine, creating a new menu, bringing all the staff back, but then you have to destroy everything and throw away your merchandise because it rains.” Chef Philippe Etchebest told JDD. Furthermore, less than half of restaurants across France have outdoor dining spaces, he said. Movie theaters can open at up to 35% capacity. Museums, theatres, zoos, libraries and all shops will be allowed to reopen at partial capacity. In France, 20.3 million people have received the first dose of the vaccine to date, and 8.8 million have received both doses. The government aims to hit the first 30 million doses by mid-June and is currently rescheduling injection appointments for people over 50 to anyone over 18. However, President Emmanuel Macron warned that if infections flare up again, the government could “emergency brake” on reopening.