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UK coronavirus live: pubs and hair salons reopen in England as lockdown eases - latest updates UK coronavirus live: pubs and hair salons reopen in England as lockdown eases - latest updates
(32 minutes later)
Follow all the day’s coronavirus news as the easing of lockdown measures in England also reopens restaurants, theme parks, galleries, hotels, cinemas and bingo hallsFollow all the day’s coronavirus news as the easing of lockdown measures in England also reopens restaurants, theme parks, galleries, hotels, cinemas and bingo halls
Cinemas in England have begun to reopen their doors to customers following months of closure.
Film goers are being welcomed into venues with reduced capacities and are being encouraged to follow measures such as wearing masks, paying by contactless transactions and using hand-sanitising stations on arrival and exit.
However, while some cinemas resumed trading on Saturday, a large number have remained closed despite restrictions being lifted.
PA Media reports from the Showcase cinema in the Bluewater shopping centre in Dartford, Kent, where staff are all wearing masks and being subject to mandatory temperature checks on arrival at work.
Perspex screens have been put up around tills and stations where food is served, and one-way systems around the venue guide customer’s movement in an effort to stop them coming into close contact with each other.
A dearth of new film releases means the cinema is showing old films including Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone and Back To The Future.
A steady stream of people were coming into the venue on Saturday and very few were wearing masks.
Andrea Necchi, a 31-year-old project manager for protection at a construction company, said it was a “strange” experience, adding that his children had their temperature taken on the way in.
Michelle Major, 57, who is a dog carer, said she is glad that normality is slowly returning as it has been difficult to explain the lockdown restrictions to her son, who is disabled and autistic.
“It has been hard for him to understand what is happening,” she said, adding that he was “super excited” to be going to the cinema.
She said she has been “impressed” by the measures put in place by the cinema.
Molly Ladbrook-Hutt, a 36-year-old director of media, said it “felt great to be somewhere different”, adding:
While cinemas are allowed to resume trading on Saturday, a large number of venues have not immediately done so. Cinema chain Cineworld pushed back its reopening date to 31 July, blaming the delay on changes to planned film release dates.
Odeon has opened 10 of its cinemas on Saturday before opening a further 88 by the end of the month. Vue and Picturehouse are also not opening this weekend.
Afternoon, everybody. This is Lucy Campbell, back from lunch. Please feel free to continue to get in touch throughout the day as I bring you the latest on the easing of lockdown in England. Your thoughts are always welcome!
Email: lucy.campbell@theguardian.comTwitter: @lucy_campbell_
The Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has shared a picture of himself having a long-awaited haircut this morning.
He said he was pleased to support businesses but urged people to remember that the virus was not over, that and businesses still needed support.
Rail services in the UK will be increased by around 15% on Sunday, industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said.Rail services in the UK will be increased by around 15% on Sunday, industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said.
As demand increases due to the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions in parts of the UK this weekend, services will increase from around 70% of pre-lockdown levels to 85%.As demand increases due to the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions in parts of the UK this weekend, services will increase from around 70% of pre-lockdown levels to 85%.
However, people are still being urged to avoid non-essential travel on public transport.However, people are still being urged to avoid non-essential travel on public transport.
Some specific changes include:Some specific changes include:
Avanti West Coast will increase its timetable from six to eight trains per hour to and from London Euston from Monday. This will return the Manchester and Birmingham routes to their usual frequencies of three trains per hour.Avanti West Coast will increase its timetable from six to eight trains per hour to and from London Euston from Monday. This will return the Manchester and Birmingham routes to their usual frequencies of three trains per hour.
There will be more services between Holyhead and Crewe.There will be more services between Holyhead and Crewe.
Additional trains will be operated by Southern during peak times from Monday, on routes including Sutton-London Victoria via Selhurst, London Victoria-Epsom, London Bridge-Crystal Palace via Sydenham, and Clapham Junction-Milton Keynes.Additional trains will be operated by Southern during peak times from Monday, on routes including Sutton-London Victoria via Selhurst, London Victoria-Epsom, London Bridge-Crystal Palace via Sydenham, and Clapham Junction-Milton Keynes.
Longer trains will be deployed on the London Bridge-Eastbourne via Lewes and London Bridge-Chichester via Horsham routes.Longer trains will be deployed on the London Bridge-Eastbourne via Lewes and London Bridge-Chichester via Horsham routes.
Train companies have introduced measures including more frequent cleaning of carriages, signage to encourage social distancing, and vending machines selling face coverings at stations.Train companies have introduced measures including more frequent cleaning of carriages, signage to encourage social distancing, and vending machines selling face coverings at stations.
RDG director of nations and regions Robert Nisbet said: “While we are still asking people only to take the train if necessary, as the lockdown is eased further we are stepping up timetables and taking other steps so people can travel with confidence.”RDG director of nations and regions Robert Nisbet said: “While we are still asking people only to take the train if necessary, as the lockdown is eased further we are stepping up timetables and taking other steps so people can travel with confidence.”
“In return, we want people to help us by avoiding the busiest times, wearing a face covering and checking the latest train information online before setting off.”“In return, we want people to help us by avoiding the busiest times, wearing a face covering and checking the latest train information online before setting off.”
Here’s a rather amusing report from Press Association on pubs reopening in Chester:Here’s a rather amusing report from Press Association on pubs reopening in Chester:
Drinkers have enjoyed their first post-lockdown pints as pubs reopened in Chester but remained shuttered just a few miles away over the border in Wales.Drinkers have enjoyed their first post-lockdown pints as pubs reopened in Chester but remained shuttered just a few miles away over the border in Wales.
The first pints were pulled at 11am in the centre of the city, as a handful of regulars trickled into The Shropshire Arms.The first pints were pulled at 11am in the centre of the city, as a handful of regulars trickled into The Shropshire Arms.
“Heaven,” said Bert Lockley, a regular, sipping his first pint of draught Guinness for three months. “I’ve missed this more than my missus when she left,” Lockley said.“Heaven,” said Bert Lockley, a regular, sipping his first pint of draught Guinness for three months. “I’ve missed this more than my missus when she left,” Lockley said.
“You can drink at home but you can’t get this feeling anywhere else.”“You can drink at home but you can’t get this feeling anywhere else.”
Footage has emerged of police officers being attacked as they broke up a music event in White City, London last night which was in breach of coronavirus restrictions.Footage has emerged of police officers being attacked as they broke up a music event in White City, London last night which was in breach of coronavirus restrictions.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has condemned the incident as “disgraceful”.Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has condemned the incident as “disgraceful”.
As many public spaces and businesses reopen today, prime minister Boris Johnson has sought to clarify some of the confusion around physical distancing rules on Twitter.As many public spaces and businesses reopen today, prime minister Boris Johnson has sought to clarify some of the confusion around physical distancing rules on Twitter.
He said that if it was possible to stay 2 metres away from other people, you should. However, if this is not possible, you can come within a metre of them, as long as you take other precautions.He said that if it was possible to stay 2 metres away from other people, you should. However, if this is not possible, you can come within a metre of them, as long as you take other precautions.
The mayor of London has condemned a street party which took place in west London last night as “disgraceful”, after seven police officer were injured.The mayor of London has condemned a street party which took place in west London last night as “disgraceful”, after seven police officer were injured.
Officers wearing protective gear were pelted with bricks when they arrived at the scene in White City to shut down an illegal rave.Officers wearing protective gear were pelted with bricks when they arrived at the scene in White City to shut down an illegal rave.
The area was cleared at around 1.15am, and a section 60 order was put in place, allowing police to stop and search anyone in the nearby area.The area was cleared at around 1.15am, and a section 60 order was put in place, allowing police to stop and search anyone in the nearby area.
Sadiq Khan called the incident “disgraceful”, saying: “Violence against the police will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be caught and prosecuted.Sadiq Khan called the incident “disgraceful”, saying: “Violence against the police will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be caught and prosecuted.
“Extra police will be out today continuing to work hard to keep our city safe.”“Extra police will be out today continuing to work hard to keep our city safe.”
Deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said the officers were responding to “residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence”.Deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said the officers were responding to “residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence”.
“These gatherings are illegal and also pose a risk to public health,” Taylor said. “The violence shown towards officers this evening was totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form.”“These gatherings are illegal and also pose a risk to public health,” Taylor said. “The violence shown towards officers this evening was totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form.”
Hi everyone, I’m Molly Blackall, taking over the live blog for a little while on what is a highly significant day in England’s lockdown experience.Hi everyone, I’m Molly Blackall, taking over the live blog for a little while on what is a highly significant day in England’s lockdown experience.
If you spot something you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter. I won’t be able to reply to everything but will endeavour to read it all! Thanks in advance.If you spot something you think we should be reporting on in this blog, you can drop me a message on Twitter. I won’t be able to reply to everything but will endeavour to read it all! Thanks in advance.
Beauty businesses, including nail bars and tanning salons, which have incurred massive losses during the lockdown have to remain closed today, despite the reopening of hairdressers and barbers across England.Beauty businesses, including nail bars and tanning salons, which have incurred massive losses during the lockdown have to remain closed today, despite the reopening of hairdressers and barbers across England.
My colleague Ellie Violet Bramley reports that women are disproportionately affected by their continued closure. Around 90% of the beauty industry workforce and the majority of its clientele is female and the government has been accused of sexism for omitting salons from the list of businesses reopening today – evident during this week’s PMQs.My colleague Ellie Violet Bramley reports that women are disproportionately affected by their continued closure. Around 90% of the beauty industry workforce and the majority of its clientele is female and the government has been accused of sexism for omitting salons from the list of businesses reopening today – evident during this week’s PMQs.
Industry figures point out that the beauty sector brings in more in GDP than motor vehicle manufacturing – “but you wouldn’t see MPs laughing out loud at mention of this sector during PMQs” – and that the industry is well prepared to reopen safely.Industry figures point out that the beauty sector brings in more in GDP than motor vehicle manufacturing – “but you wouldn’t see MPs laughing out loud at mention of this sector during PMQs” – and that the industry is well prepared to reopen safely.
Earlier this week, Caroline Nokes wrote that male ministers had forgotten about women and their wellbeing in drafting lockdown-easing plans.Earlier this week, Caroline Nokes wrote that male ministers had forgotten about women and their wellbeing in drafting lockdown-easing plans.
In a blog for ConservativeHome, the MP for Romsey and Southampton North wrote:In a blog for ConservativeHome, the MP for Romsey and Southampton North wrote:
While businesses like pubs, barbers and galleries can reopen in England today, it’s important to remember all those that have not been given the green light to reopen in a Covid-secure way, including the creative industries, which stand on the brink of collapse.
Last night, Nicholas Hytner, the former artistic director of the National Theatre, issued a stark warning that the fate of the UK’s entire cultural ecosystem is “right at the critical point now”.
Hytner also questioned why it was considered safe to fly in an aeroplane but not to sit in a socially distanced audience in a theatre.
And he pointed to rescue packages for culture across the rest of Europe, and asked why the UK had not yet done the same to preserve British culture.
At a press conference on Friday, Boris Johnson said the government would set out a “roadmap” for reopening the events and arts sectors in a Covid-secure way next week.
Ahead of the 72nd anniversary of the NHS tomorrow, health workers have taken to Twitter to implore people to drink responsibly as pubs reopen today and to remember that the coronavirus pandemic is not over.
One lung doctor wrote:
One ICU nurse tweeted:
And one first responder tweeted:
A nationwide round of applause is set to take place on Sunday evening to mark the health service’s anniversary.
People will also be encouraged to observe a minute’s silence and light a candle in remembrance of the lives lost to Covid-19.
As England’s lockdown gets a major easement, Guardian Money has compiled a handy guide for what to expect if you’re off to a hairdresser, pub or hotel today.
They’ve covered everything from disposable towels at Toni & Guy to moveable screens at Wagamama and face masks on the rides at Thorpe Park, if you needed a confidence boost.
People in Wales must continue to follow the five-mile advice and stay local this weekend as pubs open over the border in England, the first minister has said.
Mark Drakeford said that while those living very close to England may be able to visit pubs that are open, it would not be possible for the majority of people in Wales.
Police forces have also urged Welsh residents to heed the “stay local” advice while Transport for Wales said public transport should only be used for “essential travel”.
Pubs in England were able to open from 6am today but those in Wales will only be able to operate outdoors from 13 July.
The “stay local” requirement in Wales will end on Monday when two households will be able to form one extended household - enabling families to be reunited.
In a press conference on Friday, Drakeford was asked what he would say to those in Wales who were considering travelling to England over the weekend to visit a pub.
He stressed the need for people to behave in ways that “allow us all to continue to be safe”.
Gwent police told the BBC that it would be continuing regular patrols ahead of the travel restrictions being lifted, and North Wales police tweeted:
This is from Piers Morgan.
The tweet (now deleted) which was posted by the official 10 Downing Street Twitter account, said:
Commentators swiftly pointed out this was very confusing, especially given the major easing of lockdown measures in England from today, including the reopening of pubs and hair salons.
Seemingly at odds with the tone of the chancellor (see 10.06am), in an interview with the Daily Mail the health secretary, Matt Hancock, said he had a quiet “Super Saturday” planned.
He would have a pint with his brother and a haircut, and he has booked a family staycation in Cornwall for August.
The health secretary also said he would support police chiefs tasked with curbing any irresponsible or riotous behaviour today. Asked if judges and magistrates should take a tough line if pub fights break out, he said: “Of course, the law is there for a reason.”
The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has welcomed the reopening of pubs and implored the public to “eat out to help out” the hospitality industry.
In an interview with the Times (paywall), the chancellor said Britain needed to get spending in pubs and restaurants again to avoid a jobs meltdown that could see a generation of young people being “lost” to the coronavirus. Sunak said it was the nation’s duty to “relearn what it’s like to go out again”.
He said:
His sentiments echoed those of the prime minister, who on Friday said the “economic health of the whole country” depended on consumers acting responsibly in successfully reopening the economy.
PA Media reports that Sunak said:
Regulars have returned for much-anticipated drinks at the Toll Gate Wetherspoons pub in Turnpike Lane, north London, PA Media repors.
Andrew Slawinski, 54, who bought a Guinness, described his first pub pint in three months as “gorgeous”. “It’s like winning the [Premier] League,” he said.
A range of measures have been implemented at the pub including contact tracing forms, Perspex screens and compulsory table service.
And the BBC’s Chris Mason, whose locks once made the Grazia UK chart of lust, is finally getting his hair chopped live.