England's Phase 2: Museums and Galleries Reopen from July 4

On July 4, England will transition to Phase 2 of its lockdown easing, permitting the reopening of pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, cinemas, museums, and art galleries, alongside limited religious services and weddings. The social distancing guideline will shift from 2 meters to 1 meter, providing a boost to the hospitality industry. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced these measures, which are specific to England, as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own regulations. With over 43,000 COVID-19 fatalities, the UK has the highest death toll in Europe. Six national museum directors, including Maria Balshaw (Tate) and Ian Blatchford (Science Museum Group), welcomed the announcement but are still determining viable reopening dates. Alistair Brown from the UK Museums Association highlighted challenges like limited visitors and the absence of international tourism. Whitechapel Gallery's Iwona Blazwick remains hopeful, noting that staff will use visors developed with Goldsmiths University and visits will be appointment-based.