English allowed to go to the pub again
LONDON — Pints were supped and unkempt hairdos cut and styled as England embarked Saturday on its biggest lockdown-easing yet — one that many think came too soon given still-high levels of coronavirus infections and deaths.
In addition to the reopening of much of the English hospitality sector, including pubs and restaurants, for the first time in more than three months, couples can tie the knot once again, though wedding guests are limited to 30, and film buffs can go to the cinema. Whatever is being permitted again has to abide by social-distancing rules.
Museums and libraries also got the green light, but gyms, swimming pools, theatres and nail bars remain shut. Restrictions on travel and social contact were loosened as well. People from different households can now go into each other’s homes and even stay the night.
Overall, it’s the most dramatic easing of the lockdown and one gleefully taken up by those despairing in front of a mirror over the state of their hair.
“It was doing my head in to be honest — I’m just glad it’s gone now,” William Brown, a 25-yearold plant engineer, said after a haircut at Headley’s Barber Shop in Blaby, Leicestershire.
Owner Stephanie Headley, 35, was equally relieved to be back in business for the first time since the full lockdown was announced on March 23. Headley said she was a “bit anxious” and has been inundated with appointment requests. “I can’t wait to see all the dodgy haircuts that have come out of quarantine,” she said.
Though the easing of the lockdown was warmly welcomed by many, there are concerns the British government is being overly hasty, even reckless, in sanctioning the changes. The U.K. has experienced one of the world’s worst outbreaks so far — the official coronavirus death toll of 44,198 is the third-highest behind the United States and Brazil. Critics point to the experience elsewhere, particularly in some U.S. states, where the reopening of bars and restaurants is blamed for a spike in infections as drinkers abandon socialdistancing after imbibing a few of their favourite tipples.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are moving at different speeds out of the lockdown. The restrictions in England, with a population of about 56 million — 85 per cent of the U.K.’s — have been lifted the most, triggering concerns that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government is being unduly influenced by economic factors.
Johnson says the decision to ease the lockdown is based on the scientific evidence that people are “appreciably less likely now to be in close proximity” with someone with the virus than at the height of the pandemic.
One pub stood out in Saturday’s reopening. The Swan Inn in Ashford, Kent, managed to welcome customers even after a car crashed into its front in the early hours. Ray Perkins, who runs the pub, said it was “absolutely devastating,” but he didn’t want to let down anyone who had pre-booked.
Doug Evans, a 62-year-old retired oil explorationist, said most of the village of Burpham, Surrey, in southern England appeared at some point during the afternoon at the reopening of The George. “Initially, it felt really odd walking into a pub, but within five minutes the world seemed normal again,” he said.
Britain said Friday it will exempt travellers from Germany, France, Spain and Italy from its coronavirus quarantine rule for international arrivals.
They are among 59 countries and territories with which Britain has agreed “air bridges” of mutual exemption from quarantine requirements.
Canada, the United States, Sweden, Portugal and China were notable omissions from the list.