The Prime Minister has delivered a Downing Street briefing to provide an update on the relaxation of Coronavirus-related social restrictions. The key changes in England only are summarised below:
- Local authorities will be given new powers to close specific premises, shut outdoor spaces and cancel events to help contain outbreaks.
- From today, the use of public transport is encouraged.
- From 1 August 2020 the Government will update its advice on going to work. The Government will ask employers to decide on whether staff can come back to work. Employers should make decisions that comply with the requirement to have Covid-secure environments and in consultation with employees.
- From 1 August 2020, bowling centres, skating rinks, casinos and beauty salons will be able to reopen. Indoor performances to live audiences will be restarted, subject to pilots.
The Prime Minister said that the Government ‘will not hesitate, at any stage, to put on the breaks’.