Keswick business owners are “beyond excited” about coronavirus restrictions easing from Monday.
Last night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that non-essential retail, pubs, hairdressers, beauty salons and restaurants are among those able to re-open.
Sue Jefferson, owner of Keswick Brewing Company and their Fox Tap bar, said: “We’re very excited and relieved about reopening next week.
“We actually brewed a batch last week in preparation for reopening our beer garden so I’m glad we don’t have to throw it away.
“From a brewery side we’ve just got to hope for good weather now so the beer gardens can stay open.”
Sharon Hodgeson, owner of Star Beauty, said: “We’re beyond excited to reopen. The whole team is raring to go.
“Last night at 5.30, my phone, Whatsapp, social media, and website went crazy with tourists asking for appointments now they’re allowed to travel.
“I had to tell them no though because we’re chock-a-block for the next two weeks with bookings from locals.
“We’re working hard getting PPE ready and printing off ‘track and trace’ forms but wearing a visor and gloves and apron is far better than not working at all.”
Mr Johnson announced that lockdown rules will be eased from Monday, April 12.
This means:
- Care home residents will be allowed two visitors.
- Non-essential shops and close-contact services such as hairdressers and barbers can reopen
- Restaurants and pubs can start serving customers outdoors, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol, and no curfew. However, people will have to eat and drink while seated
- Gyms and spas, zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres can reopen
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
- All children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity, including sport
- Parent and child groups of up to 15 people (not counting children aged under five years old) can restart indoors