A number of lockdown measures were originally due to be eased on August 1. However, due to a rising number of coronavirus cases in England, these plans were delayed. The Government has now confirmed many lockdown measures will be eased from August 15, although there will also be some further restrictions implemented on foreign travel.
What lockdown rules will ease from August 15?
A number of businesses will be able to reopen from August 15 following months of closures.
However, for areas currently under a local lockdown, the easing of restrictions this weekend does not apply to these areas.
Changes from August 15 include the reopening of casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and soft play centres.
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Indoor theatre, music and performance venues will also be allowed to reopen, providing audiences can safely abide by social distancing measures.
Some aspects of the beauty industry were given the green light to go ahead earlier this summer.
However, from August 15 “close contact” beauty services, such as eyebrow treatments and facials, will be allowed to start once again in-line with COVID-19 guidelines.
Sit-down meals with up to 30 guests at wedding receptions will also now be permitted.
What travel rules will change from August 15?
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on Thursday evening some countries are being removed from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) list of exempt countries.
If a country is on the exemption list, people do not need to self-isolate for 14 days after travelling to the UK.
Although previously exempt, if travellers from France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks & Caicos and Aruba arrive in the UK after 4am on Saturday, August 15, they must now quarantine for 14 days.
