Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (Tuesday 23 June) set out further changes to 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.
He has also announced 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.
Speaking in the House of Commons, James Wild MP said:
“This announcement will be warmly welcomed by the pubs, restaurants, holiday parks, and attractions that along with the stunning coastline make North West Norfolk the ideal place to visit and take a staycation.
Alongside these measures, does my RHF agree that Hunstanton and other coastal areas in Norfolk need to benefit from investment in our levelling up agenda so they can bounce back for the long term?”
In response the Prime Minister urged people to take staycations in the UK: “Yes, indeed Mr Speaker and we are going to be doing a huge amount for coastal communities that have been left behind as he knows. But one thing I think we can all do now is ensure that we send out a positive and welcoming message from coastal communities around the UK. Now is the time folks to have a staycation in the UK – Hunstanton – or elsewhere.”
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.
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.
"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 safe and to reopen as soon as possible.
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.
To read the PM's statement please click here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-ministers-statement-to-the-house-on-covid-19-23-june-2020
All government guidance on Coronavirus can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
