Easing out of lockdown

Following months of lockdown and social distancing, large parts of England opened up on Saturday, 4th July. The easing of restrictions saw pubs, restaurants, cafés, hairdressers, barbers and hotels once again welcome customers through their doors, although they’ve been told to observe strict social distancing rules.

The country is moving into this next phase of managing the pandemic to return life to as near normal as possible. One of the principal changes to the previous rules is that two-metre physical distancing has changed to one metre plus. This means that people should maintain one metre plus separation whenever it is not possible to keep a two-metre distance while observing all the precautions we're now used to in our daily lives.

Among other places permitted to reopen under the new rules are:

•    Children's playgrounds and outdoor gyms.
•    Museums, galleries, cinemas, bingo halls, community centres and libraries.
•    Theme parks, amusement arcades, social clubs and funfairs.
•    B&Bs, holiday homes, boarding houses, campsites and caravan parks.

There are also changes to the rules governing meeting friends and family indoors and outdoors.

•    Two households of any size can meet indoors and outdoors. This includes overnight stays. Social distancing must be maintained at all times unless the homes are part of the same support bubble.
•    The previous rule that states that up to six people from up to six households can meet outdoors remains, but it has changed from a legal restriction to guidance.

While many businesses have opened, some remain closed. These include nightclubs, casinos, nail bars, swimming pools, water parks, spas, bowling alleys, indoor gyms and theatres.

Adhering to Rules

The country faces a delicate balancing act between health and the economy, the need to get daily life and businesses moving again while keeping everyone safe. It is a risk, and strict rules are still in place with heavy penalties for people who do not comply. The virus, which thrives on close contact, may well be at lower levels, but the danger is still there.

Although everyone can now enjoy a little more freedom in this new normal, the prime minister Boris Johnson warned that all the measures are reversible.

July 2020