People in England could be allowed to socialise in bigger groups in gardens or parks in the coming weeks, a cabinet minister has confirmed, but visiting friends and family indoors still appears to be some way off. Pressure is mounting on the government to make clear its plans for easing restrictions on social contact, after Boris Johnson announced outdoor markets and car showrooms could open from next week and non-essential retail outlets from 15 June. Speaking to broadcast media, Michael Gove, a Cabinet Office minister, acknowledged the restrictions on seeing family and friends were “tough” and suggested rules on seeing only one person from another household outdoors could soon be relaxed.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “You can see members of your family or friends out of doors, and we are looking at seeing how we can make it easier to see, in particular, more family members out of doors in a safe way.” Changes to the rules about outdoor gatherings could be announced this week, it is understood, with ministers keen to assuage public concerns about being unable to see friends and family. However, Gove gave no hint when indoor visits to family and friends may be allowed again. The possibility of more outdoor meetings – discussed at cabinet – could pave the way for barbecues, garden parties and other forms of socialising, although it is likely the physical distancing rules would still apply.
The government’s plan for easing the lockdown in England, published this month, included a commitment to consider “social bubbles”, whereby households could mingle with one other household. It said: “The intention of this change would be to allow those who are isolated some more social contact, and to reduce the most harmful effects of the current social restrictions, while continuing to limit the risk of chains of transmission.” However, the prime minister gave no update about this on Sunday or Monday when he spoke at the daily press conference, while Gove talked only about bigger outdoor meetings being allowed “in the coming weeks”. One Whitehall source suggested the government’s scientific advisers were not enthusiastic about the idea of bubbles, which could be difficult to enforce. Gove also suggested it would be some time before pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars would return to normal.
“It’s going to be more difficult with pubs, restaurants and bars in full,” Gove told LBC radio. “What I hope we may be able to see is people being able to have outdoor hospitality, so that you can enjoy a drink in the garden of a pub or eat outdoors in a cafe. “I think it’s going to be very, very difficult for us to return to any of us standing at the bar or any of us mingling in a cafe indoors in a way that we have in the past.”