From theatre to a water flume: Indoor leisure re-opens in North Essex
The latest phase of easing lockdown was reached today
The latest phase of lockdown easing means indoor fitness classes restarting and other parts of leisure centres in North Essex can opening again.
In Tendring, that includes the flume opening up at Walton-on-the-Naze's centre.
The Princes Theatre is also back open, with a show later this week.
17th May: Indoor mixing
From 17th May, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors. People will be allowed to stay overnight with people out with their household or bubble.
17th May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants can reopen from 17th May.
17th May: Cinemas reopen
Cinemas will also reopen from 17th May, along with indoor soft play areas for children.
17th May: Foreign travel
Foreign travel is permitted from 17th May.
17th May: Hugs are allowed
Boris Johnson has confirmed that we can hug our loved ones from 17th May, but experts have urged that the public should remain vigilant and think carefully about who we hug.
17th May: Indoor exercise classes
From 17th May, indoor sport and exercise classes can resume.
17th May: Museums reopen
Indoor entertainment can open from Monday, including museums.
17th May: Larger events
Some larger events including concerts, theatre performances and sporting events will be allowed to resume from Monday, but restrictions on the numbers of attendees will remain in place.
17th May: No masks in secondary schools
Pupils in secondary schools and colleges will not need to wear masks in classrooms or communal spaces from Monday.
17th May: Universities return to in-person teaching
All University students can return to in-person teaching from Monday.
17th May: 30 guests can attend weddings
Up to 30 guests can now attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events like wakes.
17th May: Care home visitors increase
Care home residents can have 5 named visitors from Monday. Two visitors will be able to visit at once provided they have tested negative. Care home residents will also be able to leave care homes without having isolate on return.
Some restrictions on class sizes and bubbles apply, and leisure centre users are reminded that sessions must be booked in advance to ensure that numbers are managed.
Users should also check in upon arrival, wear a mask unless they are doing an activity or exempt, wash their hands regularly and follow one-way systems and social distancing markers.
The Princes Theatre will also be re-opening its doors to the public, beginning with a Princes Youth Theatre production of DNA from 19-21 May, with a further packed programme of shows available for the public to book.
Capacity is reduced to comply with Covid-19 restrictions and ensure social distancing.
The reception area at TDC's offices in Pier Avenue will also re-open to the public from today, as will the reception at Clacton Town Hall - which includes the Visitor Information Centre and Princes Theatre Box Office - under the same opening hours as before: 10am-1pm Monday-Wednesday.
As many TDC staff are still working remotely, in line with government guidance, residents should make an appointment before visiting.
Many services can be accessed by residents from home using My Tendring, available here.
At both Pier Avenue and Clacton Town Hall members of the public must wear a face mask when in the building, unless exempt from doing so, and check in using the NHS Covid-19 App - or provide alternative track and trace details.
Council meetings will also resume meeting physically, after emergency legislation allowing virtual meetings expired.
Although members of the public will be able to attend, TDC is encouraging people to continue following meetings via the live stream provided on its Facebook page, to reduce the number of people in the building.
Most meetings will be held in the Princes Theatre at Clacton Town Hall, where those who do attend will be able to observe proceedings from the balcony unless they cannot access the gallery or are due to speak on an item.
Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, said the changes reflected the positive direction the country was taking in the journey out of the pandemic:
"There has been lots of good news lately about the threat posed by Covid-19, and while some risks are still there - and we must remain vigilant and continue to follow the restrictions that are in place - it is gladdening that we are able to open up more of our leisure centres and the Princes Theatre.
"Similarly though TDC business has continued right through the pandemic, much of it virtually, I am sure elected members from across the council chamber are looking forward to getting things done face-to-face again. Likewise we are pleased to be opening our receptions again.
"I am keen that we also grasp some of the opportunities this change in circumstances has brought about. For example, while our receptions will be open again let us not forget that we can do much of our business virtually, such as using our excellent My Tendring system, which can be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
"Of course, nothing beats seeing live theatre from the auditorium, not on a screen, or getting fit with a spin class with your friends alongside to motivate you, and we welcome people back to do those activities."