Businesses re-open today as restrictions ease

As lockdown begins to ease across England many shops, pubs and restaurants have opened their doors today for the first time since January.

Monday 12th April was set by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the date for stage two of easing coronavirus restrictions, although he urged caution, saying “we can’t be complacent”. The move means that non-essential journeys in England and Wales are now allowed and weddings can take place with up to 15 people in attendance. Funerals can take place with up to 30 people, but wakes are limited to 15.

Until now people have been able to meet outside in groups of up to six, but the government asked that people ‘minimise travel’.

Today marks the day that more businesses have allowed to re-open including all shops; as well as hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services. The rules state that people should visit indoor settings alone or with household groups, but outdoors up to six people (or two households) can meet.

Elsewhere, people can visit pubs for food or beverages if sitting outside. Gyms and spas can also re-open from today along with libraries, community centres and zoos. Driving lessons can now resume, with tests set to restart on Thursday 22nd April.

From today members of the same household can take a holiday in England if they are in self-contained accommodation. This means where a kitchen, bathroom and toilet is used for one family only for the duration of their stay. This means that self-contained apartments, lodges and caravans can re-open from today. However, regular hotels and B&Bs will not open until stage three, which will be no earlier than 17th May.

In all settings people are being urged to follow the rules – remembering to follow social distancing, wearing face coverings where they are required and check in to venues or provide details for Test and Trace.

Photo by Jonny Gios