The recent announcement of the reopening of pubs, restaurants, and other places of leisure on 4th July hs led to a collective outcry of joy from those whose social calendar has been depressingly bare over the last few months. In accordance with government guidelines on social distancing however, it may be that these establishments may, at least at first, look a little different to how they did back in those sacred pre-COVID 19 days. Things may become a little easier if social distancing is successfully reduced to 1m, but even then there remains questions as to whether Summer 2020 is still salvageable.
So all the big summer events, from music festivals to Pride, are still cancelled. On the other hand, it has been proposed that UK tourists will be able to travel to countries such as Spain and Greece without having to quarantine on their return from 6th July. This feels a little early for many people, especially when the next story on people's newsfeeds may well be one warning about a second wave of coronavirus, so it looks as if most of us will be sticking to a staycation this year. The Great British Summer could see its biggest resurgence yet in an era of cheap package holidays and ever more accessible long haul travel. We are already starting to see city parks and popular beaches throng with people making the most of this summer holiday weather. It's as if (for this week at least) the world's climate systems are trying to make us feel better for missing out on a Mediterranean break this year....
One thing many are looking forward to is the return of the pub beer garden, although with some important changes this summer. It looks likely there will be a limit to the number of people allowed to sit together at one time, as well as less loud music and uncertainty over whether they will be allowed to air big sporting events. Protective screens and table service are also expected to be in force, nevertheless as the public grow ever more tired of this curtailing of their freedom - coupled with increased alcohol consumption - it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be. Bars and nightclubs will find it even more difficult and we may have to wait a little longer for these to reopen entirely. Even when they do, it's highly likely that less people will be admitted and their opening hours may be cut short in order to reduce potential exposure time. But it's not all bad. A safer - and cheaper - alternative may be the return of the house party, as people can socialise in smaller groups, provide their own food and drink, and gradually increase the size of their social bubbles.
The biggest problem with socialising during the gradual lifting of lockdown is the uncertainty of everything. We don't know how long these feelings of relative safety will last, or even if we're really any safer than we were a couple of months ago. Scientists predict a second wave could send us all back inside, as has already begun in places like Germany. No one can be sure how much better or worse it may be, whether we will have developed any immunity or if any kind of treatment will be available in the near future. The economy may struggle even more. People may not take the rules as seriously as they did the first time round. One thing is for sure: life will feel different for a little while yet. But progress has been made and we shouldn't lose sight of that, no matter how scary and confusing the contradictory messages being thrown at us are making life right now.
So it would seem those hedonistic days of sweating and singing along to 'Come On Eileen' in packed nightclubs won't be returning. For now.
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