Swindon Laser Quest boss says government's continued COVID caution 'isn't easy to stomach'
Staff at the attraction are preparing for their first weekend back in business since December
Last updated 20th May 2021
The fact that the government is urging people to remain cautious around COVID-19 "isn't easy to stomach".
That is according Dave Arnell, a Director at Laser Quest. He fears that potential customers may be deterred by messaging from Ministers, regarding the risk of Coronavirus infection.
The Laser Quest site at the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park in Swindon re-opened this week, having been shut for five months due to lockdown restrictions.
Since Monday 17 May, museums, theatres and cinemas across our region have also been allowed to welcome customers through their doors once more. Hugs with loved ones are now permitted too.
Whilst this stage of England's roadmap out of lockdown has been met with relief by many businesses, some are worried that visitors may be put-off by the perceived COVID risk.
The Laser Quest Director feels this issue has been accentuated by Boris Johnson's comments in recent days.
The Prime Minister has called on people across England to treat the easing of restrictions with "a heavy dose of caution", amid the continued spread of the so-called Indian Coronavirus variant.
"I urge everyone to be cautious and take responsibility when enjoying new freedoms ... in order to keep the virus at bay," he added.
'We need people to get the confidence to come back out'
Dave Arnell said: "I think people are still cautious and the message out there is to remain cautious, which isn't easy to stomach for us.
"We need people to get the confidence to come back out, especially to places like ours, which I guess are seen as higher risk as we're indoors".
Refurbishment
Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, the extended closure has given the Shaw Ridge Laser Quest some time to undergo a major renovation.
The Laser Tag arenas, the main attraction at Laser Quest, have been refurbished.
According to the Director, it could be a decade until another renovation opportunity presents itself.
"We didn't really want to re-open having nothing changed. I think you need to put in the extra effort to draw people back in, almost like a new business.
"We wanted to do something a little special," the 34 year-old added.
You can hear more from Dave Arnell in this video report from our correspondent Matt Hutchinson:
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.