Pubs could be allowed to ditch social distancing rules and allow people to crowd together as long as they check customers’ Covid status on entry, the Guardian understands. Details of the proposed incentive emerged as Boris Johnson told MPs he believed landlords should be able to set the criteria for entering their establishments. The government’s review into social distancing measures, due to report in June, is currently considering whether allowing venues that demand Covid status on entry – which includes either a recent test or proof of vaccine – could be allowed to relax all rules on social distancing. A separate review is also looking at how Covid certification could work in practice. Steve Baker, the Conservative deputy chair of the Covid Recovery Group of lockdown-sceptic MPs, said it was deeply concerning.

Source: The Guardian March 24, 2021 19:42 UTC