Animal magic... zoos will open as lockdown eases
BORIS Johnson is to give the go-ahead for zoos to reopen in the latest easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Outdoor attractions, including safari parks and drive-in cinemas, will also get permission to begin trading again from Monday.
The Prime Minister’s announcement follows confirmation that non-essential shops will be able to reopen next week.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the move would allow high streets “to spring back into life”.
But pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not reopen until July 4 “at the earliest”.
Official data presented at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting showed the infection rate continuing to drop around the country. The daily death toll from the virus announced yesterday was 286, down from nearly 1,000 a day at the peak of the epidemic.
A Downing Street official said: “People are continuing to make huge sacrifices to reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid a second spike, but we know it is tough and where we can safely open up more attractions, and it is supported by the science, we will do so.
“We hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors.”
The Prime Minister agreed to rush forward the reopening of zoos, scheduled for next month in his “road map” for unlocking the economy, after warnings many could collapse if they were forced to stay shut for much longer.
Zoo owners have warned that thousands of animals could be put down because of a lack of cash to feed and care for them.
Speaking at yesterday’s daily coronavirus briefing, Mr Sharma said: “I can confirm that retail outlets which have been required to be closed will be able to open their doors again from Monday June 15 so long as they comply with the Covid-secure guidelines we published on May 25.
“This is the latest step in the careful restarting of our economy and will enable high streets up and down the country to spring back to life.”
He added: “As soon as we can, we will publish further safer working guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and related services.
“We continue to follow the road map which set out our ambition to reopen these sectors from July 4 at the earliest.”
Mr Sharma insisted the twometre social distancing limit will remain in place: “When it is safe to do so, we will see whether you can move to a shorter distance.”