- The Government has announced tourism and visitor attractions will reopen in England from 4 July.
- Up to 420 businesses in South Ribble will benefit, following local MP’s support for reopening.
Katherine Fletcher MP has welcomed the re-opening of the tourism sector on 4 July, giving a boost for up to 420 businesses in South Ribble, and called on people to show their support for businesses following a challenging three months.
Thanks to the efforts and sacrifice of the British people, we are bringing coronavirus under control and meeting the five tests set out by the Government needed for the safe reopening of parts of our economy. The Prime Minister has therefore set out further changes to lockdown measures in England, to ensure people can see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back to the jobs they love.
As part of this careful easing, from Saturday 4 July, pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to Covid Secure guidelines, and some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen if they can do so safely.
Katherine Fletcher is urging people to show their support to businesses reopening in South Ribble, to help them bounceback.
The Government will also be publishing detailed guidance to help tourist attractions and accommodation venues to re-open safely, such as by social distancing and cleaning protocols. A new industry standard will also be introduced by Visit England, so that the public can easily see if the venue is carrying out the new rules.
While the infection rate continues to fall, the Prime Minister has been clear that the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep coronavirus under control. The Government will keep all measures under constant review.
Commenting, Katherine said:
People across South Ribble have made huge efforts to help get this dreadful virus under control, we’ve made great progress and created the space to allow people to start to make the most of the brilliant hospitality venues that South Ribble has to offer.
I breathed a huge sigh of relief when the Prime Minister announced that we would be reopening the hospitality and tourism industry from the 4th July, and not just because the pubs are back!
From the beginning of lockdown, I have been working closely with the industry to help get them through this difficult time. This week’s announcement is most welcome, and I hope people in South Ribble get out to support the local businesses which are reopening and are the lifeblood of our communities.
Safety is of paramount importance and it is vital that social distancing rules and safety guidance are adhered to, and local people as well as our guests feel safe and I will continue to press that.
The Government will also be publishing detailed guidance to help tourist attractions and accommodation venues to re-open safely, such as by social distancing and cleaning protocols. Government will do all it can to support British Seaside towns so that this year we can all enjoy a staycation safely.
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden said:
This is a significant moment for the UK’s fantastic tourism and hospitality businesses and the bounce back can now begin on July 4th. Across the country people have been looking forward to taking a day trip, weekend break or staycation following their efforts in lockdown over the past three months. Britain deserves a break and I hope people get out, support tourism businesses and enjoy a break safely.
