Explained: All the latest changes to England’s coronavirus restrictions as Boris Johnson resumes ‘roadmap’
Indoor performances in theatres and music venues are set to resume (PA)
2 min read
Boris Johnson has resumed his plans to ease lockdown restrictions in England after announcing on 31 July that some changes were being postponed due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Here is what was announced.
REOPENINGS
From Saturday 15 August, leisure venues such as bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos will be allowed to reopen. Such businesses were due to reopen on 1 August, but this change was postponed by the Government following a spike in coronavirus cases.
Indoor play areas and soft play centres, which were not included in the planned 1 August reopenings, will also now be allowed to reopen from this weekend provided they follow Covid secure guidelines.
Close contact services such as eyebrow threading, eyelash treatments and facials will be able to resume in beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers from Saturday.
But, guidance has changed for workers offering close contact services, such as beauty therapists and hairdressers. It is now advised that they wear a medical-grade face mask in addition to a clear visor when working on customers.
Audiences will be able to return to indoor theatres and music venues for the first time since lockdown began, but with socially distanced audiences. And, the pilot of allowing spectators to some sporting events will resume after being halted at the end of last month.
The first event will be the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre on 15 August. Current plans would see fans allowed to return to stadiums from 1 October, providing social distancing measures are put in place.
And, wedding receptions for up to 30 people can now take place provided guidelines are followed.
INCREASED FINES
Currently, anyone refusing to wear a face covering in designated settings could face a fine of £100, reduced to £50 if paid with 14 days.
However, the Prime Minister has now announced that repeat offenders can now be fined up to £3,200 for flouting the rules.
It is currently a legal requirement to wear a face covering in many indoor settings such as public transport, shops, supermarkets, and museums and galleries.
The fines do not apply if you are exempt from wearing a face mask. Those exempt include children under 11, people with medical difficulties or a disability, and those travelling with somebody who relies on lip-reading.
The British Transport Police have so far spoked to over 91,500 people regarding these rules, prevented 4,400 from boarding, asked 3,000 to leave the network, and have issued 341 fines.
On-the-spot fines are also being introduced for those hosting or facilitating illegal gatherings of more than 30 people.
It comes after West Midlands Police shut down 125 parties and raves last weekend.
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