Pubs, restaurants reopen in England,changes quarantine policy
London – England takes its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life on Saturday as people are finally allowed to drink in a pub, get a haircut or have a meal in a restaurant for the first time in over three months.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said everybody had to behave responsibly and maintain social distancing to support businesses and not risk a second wave of the coronavirus.
Johnson said his message was to “enjoy summer safely” and not undo the progress made in knocking back the pandemic.
He said workers in pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses had made an heroic effort to prepare for reopening.
“The success of these businesses, the livelihoods of those who rely on them, and ultimately the economic health of the whole country is dependent on every single one of us acting responsibly,” he said. “We must not let them down.”
Numbers will be limited, no one will be allowed to stand at the bar and there will be no live music. Patrons will also have to give their details to allow tracers to identify them if anyone later tests positive.
England drops 30 European countries from its quarantine policy
Similarly, arrivals to England from a number of countries will be exempt from quarantine requirements, paving for the way for Britons to enjoy a summer holiday abroad.
The UK government will drop the 14-day self-isolation requirement for passengers returning to or visiting England from a select group of destinations, as announced on July 3.
Quarantine rules were imposed as a measure to stop the spread of coronavirus from abroad. The UK currently has the highest confirmed number of COVID-19 deaths in Europe.
The changes will come into effect from 10 July. From that point, Britons who travel abroad to certain countries will be able to return to England without having to self-isolate for 14 days.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are to set out their own approach.
Source:Reuters/ Euronews
July 4 , 2020
Image : Passengers arrive at Heathrow airport – AP Photo/Matt Dunham
