Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to open on 4 July

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out further changes to lockdown measures in England to help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs.

From Saturday, 4 July, the Prime Minister has announced that pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines.

From the same date, he has set out that two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures, and the reopening of accommodation sites. 

In order to begin restoring the arts and cultural sector, some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, the PM noted, but only if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres. 

Following a review, the Prime Minister has also set out that where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre plus’. This means staying one metre apart, plus mitigations that reduce the risk of transmission.

“Close proximity” venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas are remaining closed for now.

The government has confirmed it will keep all measures under constant review and will not hesitate to apply the handbrake, or reverse measures, should the virus begin to run out of control.

These changes apply in England only.