Whitby Mayor "looking forward to welcoming visitors back"
Many of the town's businesses will reopen tomorrow (17 May) as part of the latest easing of lockdown.
The Mayor of Whitby has said the town is looking forward to welcoming people back, when coronavirus restrictions ease tomorrow (17 May).
As part of the third stage of the roadmap out of lockdown, hospitality businesses will reopen inside, and overnight stays will be allowed in places like B&Bs and hotels.
Click here for a full list of the changes being made to England's lockdown.
"Enough room for everybody"
The Mayor of Whitby has told us she's "looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Whitby," and that it will help businesses in the town, who've struggled during the pandemic.
Linda Wild said: "We just hope that people are going to come and have a good time, and they're going to be aware that the pandemic is still with us, to try and keep their distance, stick with the hand hygiene, and wear their mask where they think it's necessary.
"Anything that you want to do will be open in Whitby. Obviously there are going to some restrictions on numbers, but there's going to be enough room for everybody to come and have a good time.
"A lot of the businesses have been closed most of last year. We've had intermittent openings, but not enough for businesses. Unfortunately some businesses haven't survived, but everybody's looking forward to getting back and trying to get their business up and running.
"A lot of suppliers aren't really up to speed yet. It's going to take a little time for them to be providing everybody with what they need. I've spoken to quite a few business owners, and they're ready to go.
"To everybody who comes to Whitby, welcome and enjoy it, it's an absolutely beautiful place to come to!"
What's easing tomorrow?
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.