Gyms and all shops to open after England lockdown ends
Author: Rafi Benady | Monday 23rd November 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today announced that gyms and non-essential shops in all parts of England will be allowed to reopen when lockdown ends next month.
Fans will be allowed to watch some sporting events in person, and weddings and religious groupings will resume.
The tier system will also be strengthened.
But regions will not know which tier they are in until Thursday.
The allocation of tiers will be dependent on a number of things, like each area's case numbers, R number, and the current and projected pressure on the local NHS.
Tier allocations will be reviewed every two weeks, and the regional approach will last until March next year.
The PM - who was speaking through a video link as he’s self-isolating - said he is “very sorry” for the “hardship” this has, and will cause business owners.
He also reminded us that there is still work to do though.
He said “we are not there yet,” and that we should not “squander our gains.”
A reminder of the tier system:
In tier one, people should continue to work from home where possible.
In tier two, only pubs serving meals can open.
In tier three, hospitality will close except for delivery and takeaway and indoor entertainment venues must also close.
