Coronavirus news live: Scientists say they are ‘totally comfortable’ dropping the two-metre rule as UK death toll hits 42,461

As the UK’s Coronavirus lockdown continues to ease, retailers have re-opened their doors to shoppers, but with social distancing measures in place. (Picture: Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

A government source revealed last night that scientific advisers are now ‘totally comfortable’ with dropping the two-metre rule for social distancing down to just one metre, providing there are other precautions in place such as a greater use of masks.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already announced a review of the current guidance around social distancing amid growing pressure from pub, hotel and restaurant chains in the UK and his own backbench MPs

The news comes as the Department of Health confirmed that another 173 people have died of coronavirus in the UK, bringing the total number of deaths in Britain to 42,461.

• Another 173 people die of coronavirus in UK bringing total number to 42,461
• Scientists are ‘totally comfortable’ to drop the two-metre rule
• UK’s coronavirus threat level reduced from four to three
• Classes could be doubled to ‘bubbles’ of 30 as pupils return to school
• Boris wants all pupils back in September but teachers face ‘information black hole’
• Black men most likely to die of coronavirus in England and Wales

Here, we bring you the live updates on the latest news, developments and guidance on the Covid-19 pandemic.