Pubs, Hairdressers And Restaurants In England Can Reopen From 4 July

Boris Johnson has announced that pubs, cinemas and hairdressers are among the businesses in England that are able to open on 4 July.

The Prime Minister has outlined the further easing of restrictions that were put into place in March, as the two-metre social distancing rule has been halved to one-metre.

The PM added that 'each step will be conditional and reversible', saying that the public should use their common sense in how many social contacts they will have.

For those hoping to get a break in over the summer, hotels, bed and breakfasts, holiday apartments and campsites will also open - again, with social distancing measures in place.

Days out are also likely to be pack on the cards, with amusement parks and arcades opening, as well as aquariums.

However, it was confirmed that indoor gyms, nightclubs, soft play areas, swimming pools, spas and bowling alleys will remain closed until they are 'Covid secure'.

The reduction of the social distancing rule means that venues will be able to once again invite visitors, on the condition that safety measures are put in place.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said yesterday (Monday) that the country was 'clearly on track' in its fight against the pandemic. Fewer than 1,000 cases were confirmed that day - the lowest number since lockdown was put into place on 23 March.

It's not been ruled out that people could have to register when visiting pubs and bars so that they can be tracked easily if it turns out that they have coronavirus.

Some arts and entertainment venues may be able to open from 4 July, as long as they follow safety advice and government guidance.

Measures that are expected to be put into place include minimal face-to-face contact with customers required to pre-book tickets as well as the spaced queues, one way systems and different entrances and exits that we've become used to.

However, Johnson was keen to point out that the measures can be reversed if the coronavirus appears to return.

He said that local measures could also be put into place for any regional flare-ups, but he also confirmed that the easing of restrictions would be under constant review.

The news comes after non-essential shops were opened in England on 15 June and in Wales yesterday (Monday 23 June).