Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (Tuesday 23rd June) set out further changes to Coronavirus lockdown measures in England to enable people to see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs.
From Saturday 4th July, the Prime Minister has announced that pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to Covid Secure guidelines.
Staycations allowed
From the same date, he has set out that two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures, and that people can now enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites.
Household rule
Boris Johnson explained in the House today that households of any size should be able to meet in any setting inside or out.
That does not mean they must always be the same two households.
It will be possible for instance to meet one set of grandparents one weekend, and the others the following weekend.
We are not recommending meetings of multiple households indoors because of the risk of creating greater chains of transmission.
Outside, the guidance remains that people from several households can meet in groups of up to six.and it follows that two households can also meet, regardless of size.
What else can open
In order to begin restoring the arts and cultural sector, some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.
New ‘one metre plus’ rule
Following a review, the Prime Minister has also set out that where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre plus’.
This means staying one metre apart, plus mitigations which reduce the risk of transmission.
To remain closed
As we begin to reopen the economy, it’s important that we do not increase the risk of transmission which is why “close proximity” venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas will need to remain closed for now.
The Government is continuing to work with these sectors to establish taskforces to help them to become Covid Secure and reopen as soon as possible.
Continue to follow social distancing guidelines
While the infection rate continues to fall, the Prime Minister has been clear that the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep coronavirus under control.
The Government will keep all measures under constant review and will not hesitate to apply the handbrake, or reverse measures, should the virus begin to run out of control. These changes apply in England only.
Article edit
4.55pm 23rd June 2020 – additional info about households meeting added
News shared by the office of 10 Downing Street. Ed
Image: United Nations covid response under CC BY 2.0
