Lockdown: What is changing on July 4?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced changed to lockdown from July 4 - how does that affect your next trip to the pub? Picture: Adam Smyth/Greene King /PA Wire - Credit: PA
The rules of lockdown are changing on July 4 – what will be different next month?
The nation has spen almost three months under lockdown so far Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
Boris Johnson has announced an easing of lockdown restrictions across England, to take effect from July 4.
MORE: Prime Minister reveals new lockdown advice in parliament
As well as several changes in the rules, the legislation in place since March 23 is now being downgraded to ‘government advice’, with Mr Johnson asking people to use their common sense in social situations. Here are the key points:
Social distancing
After being allowed to see family and friends at the beach, from July 4 you will be allowed to visit each other in your own homes, with advice to stay one metre apart where possible Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
The two-metre social distancing rule can now be relaxed and replaced with a ‘one-metre plus’ rule.
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This means the government are asking the public to keep apart but also wear face coverings, sit people side-to-side rather than face-to-face to reduce transmission and increased use of hand sanitiser.
Indoor gatherings
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Indoor gatherings of any two households will now be allowed, no matter how many people.
Ipswich town centre will reopen further on July 4 with the return of pubs, restaurants and hairdressers Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
People will be able to visit someone’s house for dinner, for children to stay with grandparents or for couples to reunite overnight. However, the ‘one-metre plus’ advice still applies in indoor settings.
MORE: All the details on changes to meeting in lockdown
Pubs and restaurants
Restaurants, cafes, workplace canteens, bingo halls, social clubs, bars, pubs and cinemas can reopen.
A social distance of at least one metre should be kept from people from other households Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire - Credit: PA
MORE: Pubs braced to reopen on July 4
More entertainment and services opening
Hair salons and barbers can reopen, with staff asked to wear visors.
Places of worship, libraries and community centres will be allowed to reopen.
On July 4 hair salons will open for the first time since March Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Museums, galleries, theatres and concert halls can reopen but not for live performances.
MORE: Hairdressers ‘in the dark’ after lockdown announcement
Hotels and holiday accommodation
Many venues and businesses will be allowed to reopen, as long as they are “Covid-secure”, for example by maintaining social distancing.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced changed to lockdown from July 4 - how does that affect your next trip to the pub? Picture: Adam Smyth/Greene King /PA Wire - Credit: PA
Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast accommodation, holiday apartments or homes, cottages or bungalows, campsites, caravan parks or boarding houses can all reopen on July 4.
Shared facilities must be regularly cleaned, such as campsite showers.
MORE: Felixstowe caravan park opening – but not to campers
Tourist destinations and local attractions
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said all of the measures being introduced from July 4 can be changed or withdrawn if lives are at risk Picture: House of Commons/PA Wire - Credit: PA
Outdoor playgrounds, outdoor gyms, funfairs, theme parks and adventure parks and activities can reopen.
Amusement arcades and outdoor skating rinks can also open up.
Social clubs, model villages and indoor attractions at aquariums, zoos, safari parks, farms, wildlife centres, and any place where animals are exhibited to the public as an attraction, can reopen.
MORE: Cinemas ready to open in July as lockdown eases
Which buildings will remain closed?
But some venues must stay shut, including nightclubs, casinos, bowling alleys, indoor skating rinks and indoor play areas including soft play.
Spas and nail bars must also stay closed for now, as well as massage, tattoo and piercing parlours.
Indoor fitness and dance studios, and indoor gyms and sports venues, must stay closed.
Swimming pools and water parks will stay closed.
Exhibition or conference centres that are to be used for exhibitions or conferences must also stay closed.
