Removing all Covid restrictions in the hard-hit hospitality sector from June 21 is critical and will mean firms can come off life support , an industry chief has said.
Social distancing rules will be ditched next month to allow pubs, restaurants and theatres to open to full capacity with no limits on groups for the first time in more than a year, reports claim.
But one-way systems, screens and rules on mask-wearing while moving around might remain.
Audiences in theatres and cinemas will have to wear face coverings during performances, while there will be strict guidance on ventilation and staggered entry.
Kate Nicholls - chief executive of trade body UKHospitality - said reports of lifting limits on trading are very welcome and will allow businesses to be viable for the first time in nearly 16 months.
Lockdown rules from June 21: What you can and can t do from next month
Each phase is dependent on four Government tests to ensure it is safe to move from one step to another
England is less than two months away from entering its fourth and final stage out of lockdown.
From June 21, there will be no legal limits on social contact in England, providing the country meets its conditions on easing lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out England’s roadmap out of lockdown in February in four stages.
But each phase is dependent on four Government tests to ensure it is safe to move from one step to another.
The New Paper
Liverpool hosts music festival to test if such events spread the virus
Concertgoers dancing at a live concert in Sefton Park - part of a pilot programme to examine ways of putting on such events in a post-Covid-19 world.
PHOTO: AFP
May 04, 2021 06:00 am
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LONDON Liverpool hosted a one-off music festival on Sunday to test whether such events would spread the virus.
Around 5,000 people ditched masks and social distancing in the name of science and music.
They attended the outdoor event having tested negative for Covid-19 and promised to get themselves tested again five days after the festival.
The event tested crowd safety at live events
before the planned lifting of restrictions in June
People enjoy their time during a test music festival in Liverpool on May 2, 2021. Reuters
The festival was part of a national research programme assessing the risk of Covid-19 transmission . Reuters
5,000 people attended the festival in Sefton Park. Reuters
British band Blossoms performs during the test music festival. Reuters
The band played the UK s first live gig since the third lockdown was lifted. Reuters
Festival goers had to take a Covid-19 test before entering the festival. Reuters
A staff member wearing a face mask looks on during a test music festival. Reuters