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Lockdowns worldwide are easing restrictions in attempts to reopen economies and “learn to live with the virus” as our president keeps saying.
It might be called the United Kingdom, but the lockdown regulations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland differ significantly, with each making their own rules.
England started easing up on things earlier in June, with Boris Johnson announcing that people would be allowed to visit each other and stay the night, provided the people they were meeting up with were within carefully considered “support bubbles”.
Since then, the government has been reviewing lockdown regulations, recently releasing a comprehensive list of what the English can and can’t do moving forward.
The list of things that are now permissible from July 4, via Sky News:
- The two-metre physical distancing rule will be reduced to one metre.
- Pubs and restaurants will reopen but have to keep a record of customers in case they need to be located in the event that someone tests positive for the virus.
- B&Bs, hotels, and campsites will resume operations.
- Hairdressers and barbers will open, but not beauty technicians.
- You can get married but only 30 people can attend (this might come as a relief to couples who didn’t want to invite distant or embarrassing relatives).
- Outdoor gyms, playgrounds and tourist attractions are reopening.
- You can host a dinner party provided you maintain social distancing, but you have to limit the time you spend with others. If you do meet up with loved ones you aren’t allowed to hug them.
This adds to an already extensive list of activities allowed during the lockdown including sports like tennis and football, the return to work of nannies and childminders, and of course, the support bubble which could be formed with other families and friends.
More on that here, before we go into what you can’t do in England, per The Telegraph:
- No mass gatherings, and no massive events like those held in stadiums and theatres where, despite the possibility of physical distancing in seats, there is still concern about shared facilities. This is wise, considering the virus can be spread by flushing the toilet.
- No mass participation events like ‘fun runs’ or contact sports like rugby.
- Swimming pools, water parks, nightclubs, casinos, bowling alleys, indoor skating rinks, massage, piercing and tattoo parlours, indoor gyms, dance studios, indoor play and soft play areas and exhibition and conference centres will remain closed.
Johnson is expected to announce more changes later this week, including “air bridges” with a few countries that will allow people to take overseas holidays.
Those breaking England’s lockdown rules will have to cough up a £100 fine, and repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3 200.
Considering the scope of what they’re allowed to do, compared to South Africa, keeping up with regulations shouldn’t be that hard.
