Today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that England would be easing a lot of lockdown restrictions.
Birmingham is even open.
So what’s changing?
Social Distancing
In England, the “guidance” on social distancing will change. Where it is possible, stay 2 meters apart. However, where it is not, people should keep a distance of “one metre plus” ie more than a metre apart.
(Editor’s note: Although considering most people don’t know what two metres is, one metre plus is going to be fun).
Restaurants and Pubs
For those who enjoy going out, restaurants and pubs in England will also be allowed to reopen. However, there are significant changes when going out.
All hospitality indoors will be limited to table service, with contact between staff and customers In addition, you’ll need to give contact details when you these establishments to enable contact tracing.
Of course, you can still support your local restaurant by using its takeaway or through the usual JustEat/Deliveroo/Uber Eats.
Hotels and other Holiday Accommodations
For those who have been earning points on credit card spend alone – there’s good news, as you can now stay at Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, Cottages, Campsites and Caravan Parks, as the Government moves away from the policy that you need to stay in your own home from the 4th July.
Meeting other households
There is good news for those of you who have missed contact with people – two households of any size will be able to meet inside or outside. And yes, you can stay overnight.
However, you’re going to have to apply social distancing (unless you’re part of the same support bubble). Also, you should not be meeting multiple different households to prevent the risk of infection.
Playing outside
For those with children or who like playing outside, outdoor spaces and children’s playgrounds will reopen.
Community and Entertainment Reopenings
For those in their local communities, you’ll find a lot is going to open back up, including
- Community Centres
- Libraries
- Museums
- Galleries
- Social Clubs
- Places of Worship
Entertainment establishments such as
- Bingo Halls
- Cinemas
- Fun Fairs
- Model Villages
- Theme Parks
- Theatres
And yes – hairdressers will be able to reopen from the 4th July (and my mullet is now quaking in fear).
Things that won’t open induce:
- Nightclubs
- Casinos
- Bowling Alleys
- Indoor Ice Skating
- Spas
- Nail Bars
- Beauty Salons
- Massage Therapists
- Tattooists
- Indoor Gyms
- Dance Studios
- Swimming Pools
Reopening England step by step.
Let’s be clear – COVID-19 HAS NOT GONE AWAY. There is still no excuse for not taking personal protective measures – such as washing your hands, using hand sanitizer and wearing a face-mask when out and about.
And keep your distance when possible. And yes – that does mean on the street, in the supermarket or in the shops.
In addition, – Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have their own guidance, which applies in these areas (and must be followed).
However, for the hospitality, entertainment industries as well as those who need community services – it’s a big step forward.
There will be stumbles along the way – and you can bet that there will be spikes of cases on the way, but today’s action by the government indicates that cases are more manageable than they were in March.
We can only hope this continues.
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