The UK is gradually easing out of its coronavirus lockdown, with businesses from pubs to nail salons reopening, and people being allowed to meet in larger groups.
England has been fastest in relaxing rules, despite being worst hit by Covid-19, while Scotland and Wales in particular have been more hesitant.
However, travel between different parts of the UK is now permitted, and the tourism industry is opening up again.
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What are the rules in England?
The coronavirus lockdown in England was significantly eased at the start of July, allowing people to meet with friends in pubs, stay with family and even go on holiday.
The Prime Minister announced a raft of changes in the Commons, with detailed paperwork due to be released later on Tuesday containing specific details.
From 4 July, the following businesses were told they are allowed to reopen as long as they ensured the premises are safe, meaning people are able to socially distance and the area is cleaned regularly:
- Pubs/bars
- Restaurants/cafes
- Hairdressers/barbers
- Some leisure facilities – such as outdoor gyms and children’s playgrounds
- Cinemas
- Museums/galleries
- Theme parks and arcades/funfairs
- Libraries
- Social clubs/community centres
- Places of worship
- Theatres and concert halls but not for live performances
- Indoor attractions at aquariums, zoos, safari parks, farms and wildlife centres
To make it easier for the businesses to open, the Government also relaxed the two metre distance requirement in environments where it is difficult to maintain this. People now have to remain at least one metre apart in such venues.
Since then nail bars, beauty salons and tattoo parlours have also been allowed to reopen.
However there are different rules in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What are the latest rules in Scotland?
On Wednesday 15 July, pubs and restaurants opened indoors for the first time, with strict physical distancing rules in place. Only table service will be permitted and staff will wear PPE.
Hairdressers and barbers also reopened with new hygiene measures enforced.
Museums, galleries, cinemas and libraries will all open with advanced ticketing systems and physical distancing.
Childcare providers can reopen, providing welcome relief for parents.
“There is no doubt that Scotland, through a collective effort, has made great progress in tackling Covid,” said Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
“We should all savour our first indoor meetings and meals with friends, out first pint in a pub or catch up over coffee.
“There will be other milestones and reunions that we will enjoy over the next few weeks. They have all been hard earned by each and everyone one of us.”
Can I travel between Scotland and England?
Yes, you are now allowed to travel between England and Scotland.
Stays in all kinds of holiday accommodation, including hotels and campsites, will be permitted from 15 July in Scotland, and is already allowed in England.
People must still observe social distancing rules, and be mindful that the two-metre recommendation is still in place north of the border.
Can I travel to Wales?
On Friday 19 June, the First Minister mark Drakeford gave the Welsh tourism sector the indication that it could reopen from Monday 6 July.
This coincides with the Welsh Government’s five-mile travel restriction and “stay local” messages will be lifted if the coronavirus outbreak remains under control, giving the green light to day trips from within Wales and across the border.
“Self-contained accommodation” can then reopen “safely and carefully” to holidaymakers from 13 July, pending the next Welsh lockdown review on 9 July.
Included under the umbrella of self-contained accommodation are static caravans and “hotels that are organised on a self-contained basis”, such as those converted to self-catering lets that are available to rent out in their entirety.
— to inews.co.uk
