Coronavirus restrictions ease across Essex
From beer gardens to barber shops, people across the country experience a little more normality
Outdoor hospitality and non-essential shops across Essex return today (12 April).
The Prime Minister confirmed on Easter Monday the roadmap dates he initially set out in February would remain unchanged.
It means shops, zoos, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, community centres, theme parks and drive-in cinemas will all be back in business.
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen, but only for use by people on their own or with household members as indoor mixing is banned until 17 May.
Hospitality venues can serve alcohol outside without the need for a "substantial meal" and self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets will also be permitted.
Nick Attfield, Director of Properties at Adnams, said:
"Our whole reason for being is to welcome people back into our venues. We're not very good at being closed, not very good at being sat at desks wondering what we're going to do. So, we're absolutely excited to be reopening.
"Everyone has looked at ways at providing a safe harbour for their guests. Looking at using any and new spaces, installing covers, installing tipis, installing marquees, putting in heating and trying to find the right solutions so we can get cracking and serving beer again."
The majority of Adnams' managed or tenanted properties will being opening for outdoor service this week and while the company remains optimistic the roadmap will proceed as planned, Nick said the industry is a "resilient bunch" who will overcome any challenges.
Curator at Colchester Zoo, Sarah Forsyth, said:
"If we had to close for much longer we would have been in real trouble. The public support has been amazing, the donations we've been receiving have been incredible, that's kept us going for as long as we have.
"Another closure will see the end for a lot of zoos, us and pretty much every other collection I know would be impossible to continue with the continual closures. We've already lost the Easter trade and if we have to lose any summer trade as well, that would put us in some serious trouble."
Also included in the easing of Covid-19 restrictions is the ability for care home residents to have two indoor visitors, as well as babies and young children which are not included in the limit.
Amanda Weir, area manager at MHA, which has care homes across the region, said:
"Holding of the hands, a hug, that's just been missing. We've worked really hard to try and make sure residents still receive that love and care, but they need their families.
"Having visitors re-engages them with the outside world and gets them to see their loved ones who they haven't been able to see for such a long period of time. It will be fantastic."
What is happening today?
Hairdressers and nail salons can reopen
From 12th April, personal care premises including hairdressers and beauty and nail salons will be permitted to reopen.
Outdoor hospitality resumes
From 12th April, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although you must order via table service.
Non-essential retail will resume
Non-essential retail can resume from 12th April.
Gyms reopen
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen from 12th April (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups). Spas will also reopen, but saunas and steam rooms will remain closed until stage 3.
Self contained accommodation
Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen in Step 2 of lockdown easing, taking place on the 12th April.
Driving lessons will resume
From 12th April driving lessons will be allowed to resume, as will theory tests, motorcycle lessons, lorry lessons and tests, car and trailer tests and minibus lessons and tests. Driving tests will restart from 22nd April.
Public buildings will reopen
Public buildings including libraries and community centres will also be allowed to reopen from 12th April.
Outdoor attractions will reopen
Outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks and outdoor cinemas can reopen from 12th April.
Two care home visitors per resident
Each care home resident will be allowed two designated visitors from 12th April instead of one.
More guests at weddings and funerals
Up to 15 guests can attend weddings, outdoor receptions and commemorative events including wakes from 12th April. Meanwhile, up to 30 people can attend funerals.