8 best memes as Government gives ‘friendly intimate contact’ green light

The Government wants to see “friendly, intimate contact” restored from 17 May, Michael Gove has said.

Speaking on the Andrew Marr show, the Cabinet Office minister sparked hilarity from his choice of words with many wondering just what he meant will be allowed when lockdown eases further.

Meanwhile, Professor Cath Noakes of SAGE said hugs should be selective, short, and avoid face-to-face contact.

Pubs (indoors) and sports classes also reopen next week, meaning punters can have friendly intimate contact with pint glasses and dumbells, at last.

“Friendly, intimate, selective, short contact” sounds great and not awkward at all and we can’t wait to hug our friends for one second before bathing in hand sanitizer for an hour. It also sounds like something Curtis Pritchard from Love Island would say. Also great.

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Here are eight of the best memes and reactions to the clunky phrase:

So there we have it. Friendly, intimate contact but a week away. Set your alarms now.