When are pubs and restaurants opening after lockdown?
It's not going to be for a while.
The UK is facing a limited easing of its lockdown in the wake of coronavirus, with Boris Johnson having announced new rules in his speech to the nation on Sunday night.
From Wednesday people will be allowed to take unlimited exercise outdoors, including playing sports, with other members of their household, while the Prime Minister has also urged those who cannot work from home to return to work.
He also laid out plans for other measures to be eased in the coming weeks, subject to there being no second spike in Covid-19 infections – including when we might see the return of pubs and restaurants.
So when might those open after lockdown? Here’s what you need to know…
When will pubs and restaurants re-open after lockdown?
Coronavirus updates
Visit our live blog for the latest updates: Coronavirus news live
You’re going to have to wait a while longer for that pint or meal out – as pubs and restaurants won’t be re-opening until July at the earliest.
Boris Johnson said in his speech on Sunday night that the ‘hospitality industry’ would not begin re-opening until the third phase of the roadmap out of lockdown – with 4 July being given as the earliest possible date.
That will also be subject to them meeting ‘Covid safe requirements’ in order to prevent a second spike in infection rates.
Speaking to Sky News Dominic Raab said: ‘From the earliest, June 1, we’ll look at non-essential retail and how they can go back, only if the conditions are met, subject to wider monitoring, so that we only proceed in a sure-footed way.
‘Then from July 4, at the earliest, subject to the conditions, we’ll look at other sectors, and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care, and people like hairdressers.
‘Obviously, the proximity in those two sectors I’ve mentioned, hospitality and a personal care sector like hairdressers, is something where we don’t think we’re ready yet given where we are with the virus.
‘Our overriding goal is to make sure we protect people’s health, we don’t see the virus get out of control, that’s why we need to stay alert.’
The government has published a 50-page document outlining guidelines for the roadmap out of lockdown.
The guidelines recommend the wearing of face masks or coverings on public transport and in enclosed spaces, as well as a planned return for some primary school students in June and unlimited exercise permitted as well as outdoor sports such as tennis or golf being allowed to resume.
It also states that those in the food production, construction, manufacturing, logistics, distribution and scientific research sectors should return to work from Wednesday, while those who can work from home should continue to do so ‘for the forseeable future’.
MORE: Boris warns wrong move will be ‘disaster’ as he explains steps out of lockdown
MORE: Prince Harry quotes Meghan as he praises young Brits for ‘surviving and thriving’
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your views in the comments below.