Business reactions to Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown

Schools are set to reopen on March 8, but when can local businesses expect to reopen?

Author: Natalie HigginsPublished 23rd Feb 2021

The Prime Minister has given his roadmap out of lockdown and businesses from across Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales have been reacting to how they will fit into his plans.

Many have described the statement as light at the end of a 'very dark tunnel'.

In a speech in the House of Commons Mr Johnson said from 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.

Garry Johnson is the co-owner of Cirrus Hair Salon on Commercial Street in Harrogate, he said he's upset that he can't "get behind the chair" sooner.

He said: "I'm a little bit upset that we can't go back to work. The schools are going back and I was hoping we'd be included somewhere near that date. I guess we'll just have to wait.

"Behind the chair is the only place I feel comfortable. I'm really missing it - all the talk and the chat.

"We talk about all sorts in our shop. We don't just give them a haircut, it's a break or a time for someone to offload. I think we need to get open, just for that side of things."

Rebecca French, owner of Beauty by Rebecca, has been a beautician in Harrogate for over two decades. She told Greatest Hits she feels like she's been "forgotten".

She said: "It's always been very confusing. They just generally say hairdressers, they don't say hairdressers and beauty. I find myself having to search after the meetings if we're included with them, because in the past they've been able to open sooner.

"We provide a lot of help to people, I'd say we in some cases act as a preventative for people needing to get professional help which could also put pressure on the NHS. We offer a lot to people's wellbeing.

"I love my job and I miss my clients. They've been so amazing and supportive and I just can't wait to start working for them again."

Meanwhile indoor organised adult and children's sport can also resume from April 12.

Georgina Mitchell, owner of Ambition Gymnastics in Skipton, told us she's happy to "finally have a plan".

"It's definitely something to look forward to. Social distancing will still need to be in place when we reopen so we will have to limit the number of children we can train.

"It's a good start and it's something for all our gymnasts and staff to look forward to.

"I've been teaching gymnastics for the last 30 years so I'm so excited to get back. I'm hoping it will be like riding a bike. I can't wait to be running and jumping around the gym halls with the children like I always do."

Mr Johnson said that all pupils in all years in England can go back to the classroom from March 8, with a further easing of restrictions taking place on March 29 and several other dates for more relaxations of the rules.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said it's "vital" that schools open first.

He said: "People have missed out on education and that has been really worrying.

"Teachers have done a great job of online teaching but it's not been an equal playing field for all students as they haven't had the equipment.

"Getting students back will mean everyone is getting the same teaching, but they can also get the normal things like seeing friends, participating in sport, drama and art. They are so important"

As well as the schools going back on the 8 March further restrictions will be lifted on March 29.

Boris Johnson said “limited changes” will be made on March 29 when schools go on Easter holidays, telling MPs: “It’ll become possible to meet in limited numbers outdoors where the risk is lower.

Organised sport will return and we will also be able to travel to see family and friends as long as it's in keeping with the rule of six or two households rule.

From April 12 at the earliest: Non-essential retail and personal care, including hairdressers and nail salons, will open along with gyms while holiday lets can be used by individuals or household groups.

Mr Johnson told MPs: “We will begin to reopen our pubs and restaurants outdoors and honourable members will be relieved there will be no curfew and the Scotch egg debate will be over as there will be no requirement for alcohol to be accompanied by a substantial meal.”

Zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas will also reopen in this phase along with public libraries and community centres, Mr Johnson said.

From May 17 at the earliest, two households or groups of up to six people will be allowed to mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed at sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.

He told MPs: “This is the point where you will be able to see your friends and family indoors subject to the rule of six or meeting of two households.

“We will also reopen pubs and restaurants indoors along with cinemas, children’s play areas, hotels, hostels and B&Bs, theatres and concert halls will reopen their doors.

“The turnstiles of our sports stadia will once again rotate, subject in all cases to capacity limits depending on the size of the venue.”

Larger events will be piloted using “enhanced testing” with an ambition of further easing of restrictions in the next step, Mr Johnson said.

International travel rules will also be reviewed, with May 17 targeted as the earliest possible date for a foreign holiday.

Boris Johnson told MPs Step Four will begin no earlier than June 21.

He told the Commons that in step four “we will aim to remove all legal limits on social contact and on weddings and other life events, we will reopen everything up to and including nightclubs and enable large events such as theatre performances above the limits of step three – potentially using testing to reduce the risk of infection”.

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