‘Super Saturday’ has arrived in England as lockdown measures are eased further.
After months of closures due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, more parts of the UK economy are opening again today in England – with hairdressers, bars, restaurants, pubs and self-contained holiday accommodation just some of the venues reopening their doors.
The Coronavirus pandemic is by no means gone – the virus remains in England but lockdown measures have been eased to allow some return to pre-COVID normality.
The pandemic has had a detrimental impact on many parts of the hospitality industry, including pubs and restaurants. Some restaurants won’t be opening their doors again – Las Iguanas, Bella Italia, Coast to Coast and Chiquitos are just some of the well-known restaurant chains that have announced closures.
For those parts of the industry that are reopening today or in the coming days and weeks, the experience for customers will be somewhat different to how it was months ago in the early parts of the year. Businesses that are reopening need to comply with COVID-secure guidelines, such as ensuring the adherence to social distancing and strict hygiene measures.
We’ve explained how pubs and restaurants may be different here, and how cinemas may be different here.
From today, the following settings can reopen;
- Restaurants and pubs
- Hairdressers & Barbers
- Outdoor Gyms
- Playgrounds
- Cinemas
- Museums
- Libraries
- Galleries
- Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Campsites and Caravan parks
Places of worship will be able to reopen for prayer and services and weddings will be able to take place with a maximum of 30 guests who are social distancing from each other.
Some settings, such as indoor gyms, swimming pools and bowling alleys remain closed.
As settings do reopen, there is mixed public opinion – some are expected to head out and enjoy ‘Super Saturday’, while others are expected to be more cautious and wait before returning to some of their favourite venues.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public to use common sense and to ‘not blow it’ as venues reopen on Saturday.
Are you taking part in ‘Super Saturday’? Tweet us what you’re doing @speakerpolitics
