The Papers: 'Lockdown lifeline' and 'two metre rule to be cut'

Image caption The further easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions features on many of Thursday's front pages. People living alone in England will be able to stay at one other household from Saturday - in a "support bubble". The Times reports that millions of children will be able to hug grandparents for the first time in three months under the new rules, and opts to run a moving portrait of a divided family during the lockdown.

Image caption The i says that anyone in England who lives on their own, or is a single parent living only with children, will be allowed to join up with one other household. They will be able to stay overnight and do not need to stay two metres apart, the paper adds.

Image caption The Daily Express calls it a "Lockdown Lifeline for the Lonely" and says the move will bring "joy" for single grandparents, who will be able to hug and play with their grandchildren.

Image caption Meanwhile, the Metro says it's time to "Crack Open the Bubbly" as some couples will be reunited under the relaxed regulations. Other examples of "support bubbles" include two single people who both live on their own, and couples who do not live together, if they live alone.

Image caption Also featured prominently across Thursday's papers are comments by JK Rowling, who has spoken of her experience of domestic abuse and sexual assault as she sought to explain her stance on transgender issues. The Daily Mail splashes with her remarks, alongside claims the PM is facing pressure from MPs and industry leaders to cut the two-metre social distancing rules.

Image caption According to the Daily Telegraph, Boris Johnson plans to scrap the two-metre rule by September at the latest so schools can reopen fully for the start of the new academic year. It claims the PM has indicated to ministers he is prepared to change the rule.

Image caption The Sun leads with Rowling, who responded to criticism surrounding her comments about transgender issues in a lengthy essay posted on her website.

Image caption Elsewhere, the Guardian reports that the number of coronavirus deaths in the UK could have been halved if the government had introduced the lockdown a week earlier, quoting testimony from former government adviser Prof Neil Ferguson. The PM said it was too early to make such a judgement.

Image caption The Financial Times also carries Prof Ferguson's remarks, and says the PM is facing renewed criticism of the government's handling of the pandemic. The paper adds that the ex-adviser's comments came as the OECD said the UK was likely to be the hardest hit by Covid-19 among major economies.

Image caption The Daily Mirror has interviewed the British ex-girlfriend of the man suspected by German police of murdering Madeleine McCann. German media name him as Christian B, 43.

Image caption And finally, the Daily Star says TV presenters Ant and Dec have apologised for impersonating people of colour on Saturday Night Takeaway.

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