Businesses across Lincolnshire and Newark re-open as lockdown eased
The changes are part of the Government's four step plan to ease restrictions
Today sees another step towards normality across Lincolnshire and Newark as more Covid-19 restrictions are eased to allow pubs and restaurants to serve people outside and non-essential retail to resume.
The changes are part of the second step of the Government's four step plan to ease lockdown, and will permit many businesses to reopen including hair salons, gyms and non-essential shops.
Pubs and restaurants will also be allowed to serve customers outdoors, after months of closures or services limited to takeaway.
Theme parks are looking forward to welcoming visitors back, we sent our reporter Aaron Renfree to Fantasy Island.
Director of Finance, Claire Draper, said they're taking measures to keep people safe, such as hand sanitisers and enforcing face masks on some rides.
"We’ve been waiting to re-open and get back to normal for our customers to enjoy the site.
"We’ve been working from home obviously, but our maintenance team and our engineers have been here getting everything ready."
For a salon in Cleethorpes, they've been working extra hard to re-open after a very rough year.
Lavender Hill was damaged when a burglar broke in and turned on the taps, just before they were forced to go into lockdown last year.
Owners Nicola Parker and Carla Austin weren't deterred, calling themselves "tough cookies".
Nicola Parker said: "It's really really exciting, it seems like it's a whole new venture now.
"The Salons looking beautiful, we've had a good team behind us, it's been amazing"
Carla Austin said: "It'll be great to see customers again.
"It's so nice when we call them and they're so happy to speak to us"
It's thought people will be eager to get back into their exercise routines as gyms also re-open.
Capacity will be monitored at David Lloyd Club in Lincoln.
General Manager Rob Ferguson said they've moved equipment around to allow more people to workout safely:
"We've made an additional gym space in one of our indoor tennis courts.
"We're very fortunate we've got an abundance of space."
Here are all the rules changing on 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.