Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now. Zoos, safari parks and outdoor cinemas can reopen from June 15,
Boris Johnson will reveal as he plots the UK’s route out of the
Coronavirus lockdown.
The prime minister will update the nation on restrictions in
England as he bids to restart the
economy while also protecting against a second speak in Covid-19 cases.
Johnson is expected to lead the Downing Street press conference on Wednesday.
The PM will also announce the easing of restrictions on outdoor attractions where people remain in their cars, such as safari parks and drive-in cinemas, because the risk of spreading the disease is lower outside.
It comes after business secretary Alok Sharma announced non-essential retail could open on Monday, despite schools remaining shut to many pupils.
The government is also under increasing pressure to relax the two-metre social distancing rule - a move key to many businesses making workplaces “Covid-19 secure” for employees —to one-metre, in line with World Health Organisation recommendations.
Hairdressers, nail salons, pubs and restaurants do not form part of the plans for Monday. These businesses are expected to open on July 4 “at the earliest”, Sharma said on Tuesday. A Downing Street official said: “People are continuing to make huge sacrifices to reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid a second spike, but we know it is tough and where we can safely open up more attractions, and it is supported by the science, we will do so.
“This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals.”
The announcement will come after
London Zoo and other institutions across the nation warned they may face permanent closure if they were not allowed to reopen.
The PM’s father, Stanley Johnson, had been among those lobbying for zoos to “reopen as soon as possible”, after they were ordered to close when the lockdown was imposed on March 23.
Though the easing will be a relief, zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are take-away only.
The relaxation comes as the government faces criticism over its handling of schools after education secretary Gavin Williamson admitted schools will not be able to welcome back all pupils before the summer holidays as planned.
Children in nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 in England began returning to primary school last week but some schools have said they do not have the space to admit all pupils while following government advice to limit class sizes to 15.Related...
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