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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Saffron Otter

Boris Johnson issues statement urging the country to 'behave responsibly’ ahead of shops and pubs reopening

Boris Johnson has urged the public to 'behave responsibly' ahead of a major easing of England's lockdown.

As of Monday, April 12, restaurants and pubs will be able to serve punters outdoors, while non-essential shops can reopen.

Hairdressers, salons, spas, indoor gyms and swimming pools can also welcome back customers, along with outdoor attractions including zoos and theme parks.

The Prime Minister said: “Monday is a major step forward in our roadmap to freedom as venues such as shops, hairdressers, nail salons, outdoor attractions, and pubs and restaurants open once again.

“I’m sure it will be a huge relief for those business owners who have been closed for so long, and for everyone else it’s a chance to get back to doing some of the things we love and have missed.

“I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly and remember ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ to suppress Covid as we push on with our vaccination programme.”

Despite reopenings, rules must still be followed in line with Covid-19 regulations.

Hospitality venues will operate as table service only, and visitors must follow the rule of six at these venues.

All businesses will have to ensure they have measures in place which make them Covid-secure, such as one-way systems and hygiene stations.

Boris Johnson in Lemonheads Barber shop during a visit to Lemon Street Market in Truro, Cornwall to see how they are preparing to reopen (PA)

The guidance also states people should only visit shops and gyms for example as individuals, or with their households.

Face coverings are to be worn inside shops, shopping centers, salons and beauty parlors, libraries and other indoor attractions.

Self-contained accommodation sites (i.e. ones that do not require any shared facilities) will be allowed to reopen for overnight stays but for household groups only.

Meanwhile, social mixing indoors will remain heavily restricted, with around 40 per cent of adults yet to receive their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Entering other people's homes to socialise is still prohibited, but people can meet in private gardens under the rule of six.

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