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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Imogen Braddick

Lockdown easing: From pubs to cinemas, everything that's set to open in July

Boris Johnson has unveiled the next phase of easing the coronavirus lockdown in England.

Addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced plans to reopen pubs, restaurants and hairdressers, and also made changes to the social distancing rule.

Guidance will be published for each sector on how businesses can reduce the spread of Covid-19 when they reopen.

But Mr Johnson warned: "We will not hesitate to apply the brakes and reintroduce the restrictions at a national level if required."

Here, we take a look at what is set to reopen next month...

Neil Piddington, general manager of Maidenhead's Craufurd Arms, checks the beer after Boris Johnson's announcement (PA)

What will reopen from July 4?

Hotels, campsites, restaurants, pubs, cinemas and hairdressers can reopen from July 4 providing they are “Covid-secure”.

Theatres and concert halls can open, but cannot stage live performances.

Outdoor gyms, theme parks, libraries and social clubs are also allowed to open their doors.

Weddings can now take place, but only 30 people can attend the ceremony.

Churches will be allowed to hold services for small groups of worshippers.

But nightclubs, indoor gyms and beauty salons must remain closed “for now”, Mr Johnson said.

What about holidays?

Travel in England will be allowed from July 4.

Hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and self-contained accommodation will reopen from next month and Brits will be allowed to stay overnight.

But they will all be subject to strict cleaning requirements.

Swimming pools and spas will remain closed.

Cinemas can reopen from July 4 (PA)

What are the changes to the social distancing rule?

The two-metre rule on social distancing will be relaxed to “one-metre plus” from July 4.

People have been advised to take other precautions such as wearing face coverings.

The hospitality industry is likely to welcome the move, as many said the two-metre social distancing rule made businesses financially unviable.

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