Life is returning to "normality", says Boris Johnson as he announces restaurants, pubs and more can reopen in July.
Starting from July 4, restaurant, pubs, hotels and others in the hospitality industry can reopen with social distancing measures.
However, there is now revised guidance, allowing people to keep a one-metre distance instead of two. This will make it easier for close-contact services in the hospitality business.
The Prime Minister said that “where it is possible, people should keep two metre apart”, but this can be reduced to one metre.
Further guidance will be published to show businesses how social distancing would work – including to avoid face-to-face seating, closing non-essential social spaces and changing shift patterns.
He reiterated that every step will be “conditional and reversible”.
Social meet ups
From July 4 two households from any size should be able to meet in any setting – inside or out.
The Prime Minister explained that this does not mean it always has to be the same two households.
However, he explained that they are not recommending meetings of multiple households indoors, because of the risks of making greater chains of transmissions.
Dining and pubs
Restaurants and pubs will reopen; however hospitality businesses will be asked to collect contact details from customers.
This will make it easier to track-and-trace if a coronavirus outbreak occurs.
Mr Johnson said: “All hospitality indoors will be limited to table service and the guidance will encourage limited staff and customer contact.”
Hairdressers
Hairdressers will also reopen on July 5, but there will be “appropriate conditions” including the use of visors by hairstylists to prevent any contamination.
However he explained that other close contact businesses such as nail bars will later reopen when they are confident it can operate in a Covid-secure way.
Hairdressers can operate as it doesn't require face-to-face contact, while nail bars would be in closer proximity.
Hotels
The Prime Minister explained that people from two households can now stay together overnight in hotels, bed and breakfast and campsites from July 4.
However, this is as long shared facilities are kept clean.
Leisure
Most leisure activities and outside attractions can now open on July 4, explained the Prime Minister.
He explained that outdoor gyms, cinemas, theme parks, galleries, arcades as well as libraries and community centres will get the go-ahead.
However activities in close proximity, including nightclubs spas, indoor gyms, bowling alleys, water parks and swimming pools must remain closed.
Recreation and sport will be allowed, but indoor changing facilities will remain closed.
Places of worship and education
Places of worship will be able to reopen for prayer and services, including weddings to maximum of 30 people – with social distancing.
Primary and secondary education will continue in September with full attendance, those children than can come to school will do so because it is safe.
Further lockdowns
The Prime Minister said that we “will restore a sense of normality”.
However, he explained that the virus has not gone away and there will be flare ups.
He explained “local measures” will be needed for local lockdowns, and the Government will not hesitate to apply the brakes and reintroduce restrictions – even at a national level – if it is required.
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