Bowling alleys, casinos and theatres - what's reopening next as lockdown eases?
14 August 2020, 05:57
The next easing of coronavirus lockdown measures is due to take place this weekend meaning a whole host of businesses will be able to reopen in England.
Theatres, casinos and bowling alleys will be able to throw open their doors for the first time in more than four months after the country was plunged into lockdown on March 23.
From Saturday August 15 socially distanced audiences will be allowed back into indoor venues, while wedding receptions of up to 30 people will also be permitted.
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Here is what will change in England:
Can I go to the theatre again?
From Saturday audiences will be able to return to indoor theatre performances and music venues in England, so long as they adhere to social distancing.
Under the new Government guidelines, such venues will have to operate at a reduced capacity and limit ticket sales to ensure distancing can be maintained inside.
There could also be increased delays between performances as venues will be required to undertake "deep cleans" before the next audience arrives.
Those on stage will also have to keep to social distancing rules.
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Are sports venues going to reopen?
The Government said it will resume plans to pilot a small number of sporting events in order to test the safe return of larger crowds.
This will begin with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.
If venues are able to successfully keep fans socially distanced, sports arenas could reopen to supporters from October 1.
What about weddings?
Wedding receptions for up to 30 guests will be allowed from Saturday, but only in the form of a sit-down meal in a location that adheres to Covid-19 guidelines.
Ceremonies remain capped at no more than 30 people and should be kept "as short as reasonably possible", the Government said.
What will change for barbers and beauty salons?
Tattoo studios, beauty salons, spas and hairdressers will all be able to offer additional services from Saturday, including front of face treatments such as eyebrow threading.
However, workplaces must still remain Covid-19 secure, with regular cleaning and hand washing taking place.
What else is going to reopen?
Casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, and indoor play areas will be allowed to open their doors to customers for the first time since the lockdown was imposed.
The Betting and Gaming Council has welcomed the move for England, but has urged Scotland and Wales to follow suit, claiming many casinos "are on the brink".
Nightclubs, dance halls and sexual entertainment venues will remain closed.
Wasn't this due to happen earlier in August?
The lockdown restrictions were due to be eased on August 1, but a spike in coronavirus cases at the time resulted in them being paused for two weeks.
