England starts reopening: Shops, hairdressers, gyms, libraries, and outdoor cafes get to work again

Shops, hairdressers, gyms, libraries, and outdoor cafes reopened in England on Monday.

Thus, the UK is taking a big step towards reopening. The country has been hit hard by the corona pandemic, but many have been vaccinated in recent months.

Long queues have been reported outside several shops in central London on Monday. Until now, it has only been possible to shop in stores that sell essential goods.

Pubs and restaurants

Pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating reported a stream of bookings on the first opening day.

Those who wanted to have a beer, however, had to be sitting outdoors. The same rule applies to restaurants.

A number of infection control measures still apply to companies that are now allowed to open their doors again.

According to the newspaper The Telegraph, those who are going to shop will probably have to do it alone or with people they live with.

May 17

Measures are also being scaled down in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – but not quite as quickly as in England.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has drawn up a plan with the goal of full reopening by June 21. The next softening of measures in England will probably be carried out on May 17.

Johnson had actually planned to celebrate Monday with a beer at an outdoor cafe, one year after he was discharged from the hospital after suffering from severe coronavirus. But that plan was shelved after Prince Philips’ death.

Gathering for prayer

In addition to the gyms, English swimming pools are also reopening, as well as libraries and zoos.

British Muslims can gather for prayer during the celebration of Ramadan this week, provided that infection control rules are observed.

Nightclubs, cinemas, and theaters must remain closed. Holidays abroad are not currently allowed either.

Since the pandemic hit the UK, 4.3 million infection cases and over 127,000 deaths have been recorded. At the same time, the vaccination process is moving fast, and over 60% of the adult population has received the first vaccine dose.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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