Coronavirus: Zoos and safari parks set to reopen from 15 June - PM - BBC News

Zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas are set to reopen in England from Monday, the PM is due to announce.

Boris Johnson is expected to outline the latest step in the easing of the coronavirus lockdown at Wednesday's daily briefing.

He will say the outdoor attractions can reopen as long as they follow social distancing rules.

Some zoos, including Chester Zoo and London Zoo, have reported financial struggles during the pandemic.

The move will pave the way for zoos to reopen in England alongside non-essential shops, which can also open from 15 June.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said on Tuesday "we continue to meet" the government's five tests for lifting coronavirus lockdown restrictions, so retailers can open as long as they follow safety guidelines.

He also said pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until 4 July "at the earliest".

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson will face MPs on Wednesday at Prime Minister's Questions, after the plan for the reopening of all primary schools in England by the summer was ditched by the government.

Earlier this week Chester Zoo - which has been closed since 21 March - said its future was "on a knife edge", despite a government pledge to provide financial support.

And last month London Zoo - closed since 20 March - said it faced an "uncertain future" without immediate support.

On Wednesday, the prime minister is expected to announce that outdoor attractions where visitors remain in their cars can reopen because the risk of spreading the disease is lower outside.

However, zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are take-away only.

• All shops in England can reopen on Monday if safe
• Many primary pupils not back until September

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.

"This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals."

Downing Street continues to emphasise that the UK government wants to move forward carefully in further easing the lockdown.

Wednesday's announcement on zoos reflects the belief the risk of transmission is lower outdoors and is based on social distancing rules being followed.

We also know non-essential shops in England and Northern Ireland will reopen in the coming days (though we don't know when this will happen in Scotland and Wales). Small parts of normal life are returning, even if they will likely feel quite different.

But while steps to reopen the economy are being taken, the slow progress on schools shows that coming out of lockdown is not always easy and not always in the hands of ministers.

The delay in getting primary school pupils back to classrooms in England is a reminder that practicalities - and in some cases public reluctance - are important too.

The government says it has already provided a £14m support fund for zoos.

They have also been eligible to apply for a "range of support schemes", including business rate relief, during the pandemic.

Andrew Hall, spokesperson for Biaza - British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums - said he was "delighted" with the announcement, but added the sector was "not out of the woods".

"Aquariums are still closed, and zoos and safari parks have taken a real hit," he said.

"For some zoos, particularly those reliant on tourism, reopening isn't going to be financially viable for them."

He said the announcement was "not the full answer" and government support would still be required, especially with limited entry.

He added: "Zoos and aquariums in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will still be facing significant challenges and we will be working hard to achieve positive outcomes in these nations."

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2020-06-10 00:19:27Z
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Coronavirus: Zoos and safari parks set to reopen from 15 June - PM - BBC News

Zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas are set to reopen in England from Monday, the PM is due to announce.

Boris Johnson is expected to outline the latest step in the easing of the coronavirus lockdown at Wednesday's daily briefing.

He will say the outdoor attractions can reopen as long as they follow social distancing rules.

Some zoos, including Chester Zoo and London Zoo, have reported financial struggles during the pandemic.

The move will pave the way for zoos to reopen in England alongside non-essential shops, which can also open from 15 June.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said on Tuesday "we continue to meet" the government's five tests for lifting coronavirus lockdown restrictions, so retailers can open as long as they follow safety guidelines.

He also said pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until 4 July "at the earliest".

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson will face MPs on Wednesday at Prime Minister's Questions, after the plan for the reopening of all primary schools in England by the summer was ditched by the government.

Earlier this week Chester Zoo - which has been closed since 21 March - said its future was "on a knife edge", despite a government pledge to provide financial support.

And last month London Zoo - closed since 20 March - said it faced an "uncertain future" without immediate support.

On Wednesday, the prime minister is expected to announce that outdoor attractions where visitors remain in their cars can reopen because the risk of spreading the disease is lower outside.

However, zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are take-away only.

• All shops in England can reopen on Monday if safe
• Many primary pupils not back until September

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.

"This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals."

Downing Street continues to emphasise that the UK government wants to move forward carefully in further easing the lockdown.

Wednesday's announcement on zoos reflects the belief the risk of transmission is lower outdoors and is based on social distancing rules being followed.

We also know non-essential shops in England and Northern Ireland will reopen in the coming days (though we don't know when this will happen in Scotland and Wales). Small parts of normal life are returning, even if they will likely feel quite different.

But while steps to reopen the economy are being taken, the slow progress on schools shows that coming out of lockdown is not always easy and not always in the hands of ministers.

The delay in getting primary school pupils back to classrooms in England is a reminder that practicalities - and in some cases public reluctance - are important too.

The government says it has already provided a £14m support fund for zoos.

They have also been eligible to apply for a "range of support schemes", including business rate relief, during the pandemic.

Andrew Hall, spokesperson for Biaza - British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums - said he was "delighted" with the announcement, but added the sector was "not out of the woods".

"Aquariums are still closed, and zoos and safari parks have taken a real hit," he said.

"For some zoos, particularly those reliant on tourism, reopening isn't going to be financially viable for them."

He said the announcement was "not the full answer" and government support would still be required, especially with limited entry.

He added: "Zoos and aquariums in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will still be facing significant challenges and we will be working hard to achieve positive outcomes in these nations."

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2020-06-10 00:00:53Z
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Boris gives major boost to UK tourism industry – next lockdown easing steps unveiled - Express

Outdoor attractions including safari parks and drive-in cinemas where visitors can stay in their cars will also get permission to begin trading again from Monday. Both measures will be seen as a major boost for the UK’s tourism industry and will be welcomed by families desperate for fun days out after weeks of being cooped up. 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 up and down the country to spring back into life.”

But he dampened speculation that some pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating could reopen this month.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until July 4 "at the earliest", he said.

Ministers agreed to the next steps in easing the lockdown after being updated on the scientific evidence on the state of the epidemic at the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday.

Official data showed the infection rate continuing to drop around the country while yesterday’s death toll from the virus was 286, down from nearly 1,000 a day at the peak of the epidemic.

Boris Johnson announces new lockdown easing measures (Image: getty)

A zoo keeper wearing PPE lays out food at Chester Zoo (Image: getty)

Following yesterday’s Cabinet discussion, 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.

“This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors, while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals.”

The Prime Minister will formally announce the decision at the daily Downing Street media briefing this afternoon.

He agreed to rush forward the reopening of zoos, scheduled for next month in his “road map” for unlocking the economy, following warnings that many of the businesses 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.

MPs were due to debate the threat to zoos in the Commons tomorrow.

UK coronavirus statistics - latest (Image: nc)

Related articles

Reopening zoos will have to enforce strict social distancing rules and keep indoor facilities such as reptile and insect houses and aquariums closed. Cafes may be permitted to provide takeaway food only.

The move follows discussions between ministers and zoo bosses about how to ensure visitor numbers can be managed and safeguards put in place.

Whitehall officials pointed out that the Government has provided financial support for businesses during the lockdown including a £14million fund for smaller zoos to continue to care for their animals.

Zoos have also been eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including business rates relief, the business interruption loan scheme, and the job retention scheme. This is additional to other available relief such as VAT deferral.

Mr Sharma confirmed the reopening of non-essential retail outlets at yesterday’s daily coronavirus briefing.

"I can confirm today 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,” the Business Secretary said.

READ MORE: Property hotspots emerging in wake of coronavirus crisis

Boris Johnson set to give zoos the green light to reopen soon (Image: getty)

Shops will have to adopt safety measures already in place in many supermarkets and pharmacies including special opening hours for vulnerable people, perspex screens to protect staff, floor markings to guide shoppers and limiting the numbers allowed on the premises at one time.

“In the new normal, we have all got used to shopping with social distancing. Now is the right time to apply these principles more widely to other shops as we continue our reopening of the economy,” he said.

Mr Sharma said the Government remained committed to the timetable for reopening the hospitality industry set out in the Prime Minister’s road map.

"Of course, there are businesses which still remain closed. 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.

"I know there's been a lot of speculation about when we might be able to reopen these parts of the economy and I completely understand why we're all so keen to get them back up and running, and I absolutely share that enthusiasm.

"But we continue to follow the road map which set out our ambition to reopen these sectors from July 4 at the earliest,” he said.

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Importance of social distancing (Image: nc)

Related articles

Mr Sharma insisted the two-metre social distancing limit will remain in place when shops reopen despite warnings from some business owners that the rule will be impractical for many premises.

"I do get why businesses in a whole range of sectors make the economic case why you would want to move closer than two metres.

"But, ultimately, this is about what is safe. We will keep this under review. We will only make changes when it is safe to do so,” he said.

"When it is safe to do so, we will see whether you can move to a shorter distance but ultimately we keep all of these things under review," he told the No 10 briefing.

"There are other countries in the world that have moved from two metres to closer distances. Of course, they are further along in terms of their road map, in terms of opening up businesses.

"We are taking a cautious view on this. I completely understand why for economic reasons businesses will want to have a look at this two-metre rule."

Health and Safety Executive chief executive Sarah Albon told the briefing that reducing the number of infections as well as the rate of transmission was the key to altering the two-metre rule.

"It requires a view both of the chance of the infection being passed on but also the prevalence in society, because that mix of how many people in the population have got this illness combined with what's a safe distance gives you the probability of something being passed on,” she said.

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2020-06-09 23:26:38Z
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Primary schools: govt abandons plan for full return before September in England - BBC News - BBC News

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

1. Primary schools: govt abandons plan for full return before September in England - BBC News  BBC News
2. Government abandons plans to fully reopen primary schools in England before summer holidays  The Independent
3. Where Is Johnson’s ‘Levelling Up’ Plan For Poor Pupils Hit By School Closures?  HuffPost UK
4. The Guardian view on schools: ministers have failed England’s children  The Guardian
5. Williamson can hardly fiddle the science when he can't count to two  The Guardian
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2020-06-09 21:38:42Z
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Coronavirus: Zoos and safari parks set to reopen from 15 June - PM - BBC News

Zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas are set to reopen in England from Monday, the PM is due to announce.

Boris Johnson is expected to outline the latest step in the easing of the coronavirus lockdown at Wednesday's daily briefing.

He will say the outdoor attractions can reopen as long as they follow social distancing rules.

Some zoos, including Chester Zoo and London Zoo, have reported financial struggles during the pandemic.

The move will pave the way for zoos to reopen in England alongside non-essential shops, which can also open from 15 June.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said on Tuesday "we continue to meet" the government's five tests for lifting coronavirus lockdown restrictions, so retailers can open as long as they follow safety guidelines.

He also said pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until 4 July "at the earliest".

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson will face MPs on Wednesday at Prime Minister's Questions, after the plan for the reopening of all primary schools in England by the summer was ditched by the government.

Earlier this week Chester Zoo - which has been closed since 21 March - said its future was "on a knife edge", despite a government pledge to provide financial support.

And last month London Zoo - closed since 20 March - said it faced an "uncertain future" without immediate support.

On Wednesday, the prime minister is expected to announce that outdoor attractions where visitors remain in their cars can reopen because the risk of spreading the disease is lower outside.

However, zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are take-away only.

• All shops in England can reopen on Monday if safe
• Many primary pupils not back until September

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.

"This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals."

Downing Street continues to emphasise that the UK government wants to move forward carefully in further easing the lockdown.

Wednesday's announcement on zoos reflects the belief the risk of transmission is lower outdoors and is based on social distancing rules being followed.

We also know non-essential shops in England and Northern Ireland will reopen in the coming days (though we don't know when this will happen in Scotland and Wales). Small parts of normal life are returning, even if they will likely feel quite different.

But while steps to reopen the economy are being taken, the slow progress on schools shows that coming out of lockdown is not always easy and not always in the hands of ministers.

The delay in getting primary school pupils back to classrooms in England is a reminder that practicalities - and in some cases public reluctance - are important too.

The government says it has already provided a £14m support fund for zoos.

They have also been eligible to apply for a "range of support schemes", including business rate relief, during the pandemic.

Andrew Hall, spokesperson for Biaza - British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums - said he was "delighted" with the announcement, but added the sector was "not out of the woods".

"Aquariums are still closed, and zoos and safari parks have taken a real hit," he said.

"For some zoos, particularly those reliant on tourism, reopening isn't going to be financially viable for them."

He said the announcement was "not the full answer" and government support would still be required, especially with limited entry.

He added: "Zoos and aquariums in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will still be facing significant challenges and we will be working hard to achieve positive outcomes in these nations."

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2020-06-09 21:53:01Z
52780842854959

Coronavirus: Zoos and safari parks set to reopen from 15 June - PM - BBC News

Zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas are set to reopen in England from Monday, the PM is due to announce.

Boris Johnson is expected to outline the latest step in the easing of the coronavirus lockdown at Wednesday's daily briefing.

He will say the outdoor attractions can reopen as long as they follow social distancing rules.

Some zoos, including Chester Zoo and London Zoo, have reported financial struggles during the pandemic.

The move will pave the way for zoos to reopen in England alongside non-essential shops, which can also open from 15 June.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said on Tuesday "we continue to meet" the government's five tests for lifting coronavirus lockdown restrictions, so retailers can open as long as they follow safety guidelines.

He also said pubs, bars, restaurants and hairdressers will not be able to reopen until 4 July "at the earliest".

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson will face MPs on Wednesday at Prime Minister's Questions, after the plan for the reopening of all primary schools in England by the summer was ditched by the government.

Earlier this week Chester Zoo - which has been closed since 21 March - said its future was "on a knife edge", despite a government pledge to provide financial support.

And last month London Zoo - closed since 20 March - said it faced an "uncertain future" without immediate support.

On Wednesday, the prime minister is expected to announce that outdoor attractions where visitors remain in their cars can reopen because the risk of spreading the disease is lower outside.

However, zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are take-away only.

• All shops in England can reopen on Monday if safe
• Many primary pupils not back until September

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.

"This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals."

Downing Street continues to emphasise that the UK government wants to move forward carefully in further easing the lockdown.

Wednesday's announcement on zoos reflects the belief the risk of transmission is lower outdoors and is based on social distancing rules being followed.

We also know non-essential shops in England and Northern Ireland will reopen in the coming days (though we don't know when this will happen in Scotland and Wales). Small parts of normal life are returning, even if they will likely feel quite different.

But while steps to reopen the economy are being taken, the slow progress on schools is a reminder that coming out of lockdown is not always easy and not always in the hands of ministers.

The delay in getting primary school pupils back to classrooms in England is a reminder that practicalities - and in some cases public reluctance - are important too.

The government says it has already provided a £14m support fund for zoos.

They have also been eligible to apply for a "range of support schemes", including business rate relief, during the pandemic.

Andrew Hall, spokesperson for Biaza - British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums - said he was "delighted" with the announcement, but added the sector was "not out of the woods".

"Aquariums are still closed, and zoos and safari parks have taken a real hit," he said.

"For some zoos, particularly those reliant on tourism, reopening isn't going to be financially viable for them."

He said the announcement was "not the full answer" and government support would still be required, especially with limited entry.

He added: "Zoos and aquariums in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will still be facing significant challenges and we will be working hard to achieve positive outcomes in these nations."

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2020-06-09 21:30:26Z
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Government scraps plans to get pupils back in school before summer - Sky News

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

1. Government scraps plans to get pupils back in school before summer  Sky News
2. Government abandons plans to fully reopen primary schools in England before summer holidays  The Independent
3. School age children more likely to be hit by lightning than die of coronavirus, analysis finds  Telegraph.co.uk
4. The Guardian view on schools: ministers have failed England’s children  The Guardian
5. Opening schools must be the government's priority  Telegraph.co.uk
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2020-06-09 20:49:38Z
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