More businesses across Harrogate and the Dales reopen as lockdown restrictions ease
But Boris Johnson to urge the nation to "behave responsibly''
Last updated 12th Apr 2021
From today (Monday, 12 April). people across Harrogate and the Dales can look forward to getting a round in for the first time in months.
Pub gardens and restaurants with outdoor dining are preparing for a surge of customers as lockdown eases, prompting Boris Johnson to urge the nation to "behave responsibly''.
What can people do now?
Shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will be allowed to reopen.
Most outdoor attractions, such as zoos and theme parks, can reopen, although wider social-distancing rules will still apply to prevent indoor mixing between different households.
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and swimming pools will also be opened, but for use by people on their own or in household groups.
Funerals can continue with up to 30 people, and the numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise from six to 15.
It follows from a previous round of easing on March 29 allowing six people from any number of households or a group of any size from up to two households to gather in parks and gardens.
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts reopened, with organised adult and children's sport - including grassroots football - able to return.
People are still being asked to work from home where possible, and overseas travel remains banned.
But Boris Johnson has urged the nation to 'behave responsibly' during the next step of easing of England's coronavirus lockdown measures.
The Prime Minister urged caution during the "major step forward'' as a scientist advising the Government warned the rules must be followed to minimise a possible rebound in case numbers.
"I'm sure it will be a huge relief for those business owners who have been closed for so long, and for everyone else it's a chance to get back to doing some of the things we love and have missed,'' Mr Johnson said.
"I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly and remember 'hands, face, space and fresh air' to suppress Covid as we push on with our vaccination programme.''