BORIS JOHNSON is expected to announce today that the two-metre coronavirus social distancing rule will be relaxed in a decision that would go against the advice of his scientific advisers.

Scientists and Labour have warned of the perils associated with halving the distance, without having health and safety measures – such as a functional coronavirus test and trace system – in place.

Pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers have called on the government to reduce social distancing to one metre to boost revenues when they start to reopen from July 4.