Reaction to roadmap out of restrictions
Local businesses react to the PM's plan out of lockdown
Last updated 23rd Feb 2021
The government says it's more important than ever to stick to the rules as coronavirus restrictions are eased.
Hairdressers and gyms will open on the 12th of April at the earliest, indoor hospitality in May, and the majority of Covid restrictions will be fully eased by the 21st of June.
There'll be at least five weeks between stages so experts can study the data.
We've been getting local reaction to the PM's plan.
There's some relief among business owners - as they can now start planning for the future.
John Costello owns bars in Cheshire - due to not serving food, they haven't opened since October:
"We have three bars - two of them not really going to be able to open April - there isn't enough outside space. One bar - there's a potential to open, but until we see the exact detail - we're just not sure."
Carly Ball owns Keatesy's Boxing Academy in Stoke-on-Trent.
She thinks more allowance for indoor sports should have been made - even if just for children:
"Once again they are promoting the outdoor element first and that's all good and well but what they're forgetting with that is - our line of sport - you know, boxing punch bags - they don't have any of them outdoors. So that's frustrating because I think especially for children, they are really needing to get back to being fit and active."
Callum Eckersley owns 4FITT gyms in Newcastle and Fenton.
He doesn't understand why gyms have to wait longer than schools:
"To let them back into the mix first doesn't really make sense to me. Good news on the whole, so I'm pretty happy. I just hope that there's not too many changes in a short period of time because that's what really puts us off as a business owner."
The travel industry's seeing a surge in holiday bookings since the government announced its plan to ease England's coronavirus lockdown.
Easyjet says purchases for summer getaways are more than four times higher than last week, while traffic on Thomas Cook's website jumped 75%.
Self-contained trips can reopen in England from the 12th of April at the earliest - but only for members of the same household.
But, tourism bosses from Alton Towers group Merlin Entertainments say they're 'gutted' they'll miss their chance to open over Easter.
The theme park's been shut for months because of restrictions.
According to the Prime Minister's new four step plan - they won't open until 12th April at the earliest.
Kate Shane heads up attractions for the group:
"At Alton Towers Easter is huge. It's so significant to the trading calendar for the numbers of people that want to go to the park - and not only the park, but the hotels as well."
By the 21st of June at the earliest, almost all restrictions should be relaxed - meaning nightclubs, theatres and wedding venues could all be operating with no limits on numbers.
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