Some big news from the government today as news on when more leisure businesses including Gyms and Swimming Pools can reopen.
Today’s announcement follows yesterday’s statement from the Chancellor, announcing a new ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ discount scheme which will provide a 50% reduction for sit-down meals in cafes, restaurants and pubs across the UK from Monday to Wednesday every week throughout August 2020.
So what’s happening?
Saturday 11th July
- Outdoor pools and outdoor theatre spaces are able to reopen
- Grassroots community sport will be able to return, beginning with cricket
Monday 13th July
- Beauticians, tattooists, spas, tanning salons and other close-contact services can reopen
Saturday 25th July
- Indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities can reopen
- Singing and the playing of brass and wind musical instruments will be allowed in professional settings
- Small pilots of indoor performances, with socially distanced audiences, will also take place to help work out the best way for them to restart
Not all forms of beauty treatment will be able to go ahead, such as face waxing, threading services, facial treatments, make-up and eyebrow treatments.
“Normal life is slowly returning.” said the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden.
“This is an important milestone for our performing artists, who have been waiting patiently in the wings since March. Of course we won’t see crowds flooding into their venues. But from 11 July, our theatres, operas, dance and music shows can start putting on outdoor performances to socially distanced audiences.
“That means theatregoers can experience a live play for the first time in months at places like the stunning Minack Theatre in Cornwall. And music lovers can attend Glyndebourne this summer.
“We are taking various measures to make these places safe as they reopen. Venue capacity will be reduced, and organisations encouraged to move to electronic ticketing, to help test and trace.”
