ABC News Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOn Hugs to be allowed in England as part of lockdown easing In less than a week, people in England will be able to give someone outside their household bubble a hug for the first time since restrictions were put in place in March last year when the coronavirus By PAN PYLAS Associated Press May 10, 2021, 6:35 PM • 5 min read Catch up on the developing stories making headlines.The Associated Press LONDON -- In less than a week, people in England will be able to give friends and family a hug for the first time since restrictions were put in place in March last year at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic.