BRIGHTON was in turmoil today the first weekend following the easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday.
The streets were packed with people on the first Saturday that non-essential stores and the gardens of pubs and restaurants were able to reopen after more than three months of closure.
Photos show the scene on Brighton’s seafront today, as friends and families finally got to enjoy food and drink in the sunshine as bars, pubs and restaurants open their outdoor seating areas.
There were queues outside major downtown retailers, with queues of people outside Primark and TK Maxx.
Queues outside of TK Maxx today
The North Laine was buzzing with shoppers and people making the most of the warmer weather in the outdoor gardens there as well.
The government’s roadmap out of lockdown means stores, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries and outdoor hospitality spots were allowed to reopen on Monday.
Most outdoor attractions, such as zoos and theme parks, can also reopen, although broader social distancing rules still apply to prevent indoor mixing between different households.
Indoor leisure facilities such as gymnasiums and swimming pools have been opened, but for the use of individuals or groups.
It follows an earlier round of eases on March 29 allowing six people from any number of households or a group of any size of up to two households to congregate in parks and gardens.
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts have reopened, with organized sports for adults and children, including grassroots football, being able to return.
People are still encouraged to work from home when possible, and travel abroad remains prohibited.
From May 17 at the earliest, most outside social contact rules will be lifted, although gatherings of more than 30 people will remain illegal.
Indoors, the six or two household rule will apply although the government has said it will continue to examine whether it is safe to increase that number.
Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation industry, and group sports and exercise classes for adults will also reopen.
Limited crowds will also be allowed at sporting events.
All remaining restrictions on social contacts could be lifted from June 21, allowing larger events to be held and nightclubs to reopen.
The “roadmap” states: “Finally, before the start of Stage 4 on June 21 at the earliest, the government will complete a review of social distancing and other long-term measures that have been put in place to reduce the transmission.
“This will inform decisions on when and under what circumstances rules over one meter plus, face masks and other measures can be lifted.
“It will also provide guidance on working from home – which should continue as far as possible until this review is completed.”
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-17 17:34:22
