The Times, like most of the papers, leads with Boris Johnson’s confirmation of a major easing of coronavirus restrictions next Monday.It says hugs will be allowed for the first time in more than a year, pubs and restaurants can serve inside, cinemas and theatres can reopen, and five people will be able to visit care home residents.However, it adds that the PM has urged people not to “throw caution to the wind”.
A story about social care leads the Daily Mirror – with a story about a woman nursing her dying husband who fears she won’t be able to afford his funeral.The paper picks up on a pledge by Boris Johnson to “fix” social care and tells him: “We’re still waiting Prime Minister”.
Boris Johnson appealed to “British common sense” as he confirmed the next step in lifting COVID rules would go ahead as planned next week, reports the Daily Express.
The Daily Star says experts have claimed “creepy crawlies” should be used to “pad out” school dinners and be hidden in snacks to avoid a world food crisis.
The i says it’s six days until people can hug their family members again.It also highlights other things that will be permitted again as COVID rules ease, such as “indoor pints” and the opening of cinemas and museums.
The one-metre social distancing rule could be scrapped after the prime minister gave an “upbeat” announcement on the latest relaxing of COVID rules, the Daily Mail reports.It also notes, however, that the PM resisted calls to scrap all lockdown rules sooner than the 21 June date specified in the government’s roadmap.
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has spoken exclusively to The Guardian. After the party was criticised for its showing in the local elections – sparking a frontbench reshuffle, Ms Rayner says the party has “patronised its heartland voters for too long”.
The prime minister has appealed to the public to use common sense when restrictions ease on 17 May, The Daily Telegraph reports.It says updated government advice states that people should make a “personal choice” on whether to keep their distance from others.
Metro also reports on the latest easing of restrictions and the reduced COVID alert level, saying big changes are on the way next week when indoor mixing is allowed again.
