SOCIAL distancing rules will be relaxed to one metre from July 4 -and visiting relatives will be possible again.

This 'one metre plus' rule will allow more businesses to reopen and let people from two different households meet up inside or outside.

Though staying two metres apart will still be advised, people will be allowed to stand a bit closer together in areas where this is not possible as long as they take steps to decrease the risk of transmission.

These steps include wearing face coverings, changing the layout of offices, improving ventilation, and using hand sanitiser.

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The PM told the Commons: “Given the significant fall in the prevalence of the virus we can change the two-metre social distancing rule from July 4.

“Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should.

“But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one metre-plus, meaning they should remain one metre apart while taking mitigations to reduce the risk of transmission.”

Indoor gatherings involving two separate households will be permitted.

Families can be reunited and dinner parties will be allowed when England’s coronavirus lockdown is eased from July 4 – but millions of people will still be unable to hug their loved ones, as social distancing will need to be maintained.

With guidance replacing legislation, Mr Johnson said he was relying on people using their common sense to limit the spread of the virus.

He added: "The fewer social contacts we have, the safer we will be.The more we open up, the more vigilant we have to be.

“From July 4, provided that no more than two households stay together, people will be free to stay overnight in self-contained accommodation including hotels and bed and breakfasts, as well as camp sites, as long as shared facilities are kept clean.”

The two households can vary each time, so that, as the PM suggested, you could see one set of grandparents on the weekend and see the others on the next weekend.

Indoor meetings of people from multiple households are not recommended because of the risk of transmitting coronavirus.