Further lockdown easing in England
From Saturday lockdown will be relaxed further by allowing small wedding receptions and the re-opening of bowling alleys, casinos, skating rinks and soft play centres as long as social distancing is observed. Government guidance on Managing out door play areas can be found here.
Pilots will take place at conference venues prior to their reopening, possibly on October 1st.
But Government warns that it will re-apply local restrictions where the infection rate rises.
Areas where there are local restrictions
An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, Preston, and West Yorkshire. Increased restrictions prevent people meeting others outside their own bubble and bar them from meeting in other people’s homes or gardens.
In areas where there are local lockdowns, local authorities have powers to close specific premises, shut outdoor spaces and cancel events.
The HTA has sought to reassure members, "In every local lockdown garden centre, retail areas and nurseries have been able to keep trading as before, which is a testament to how safe garden centres are and the hard work done by the industry to ensure that their premises follow COVID secure rules and regulations. However, there is no guarantee that garden centres will be able to remain open in every local lockdown."
Travel restrictions
Several countries are experiencing a rise in Coronavirus infections and the UK is seeking to prevent travellers bringing more infections to the UK.
France and the Netherlands have been added to the list of countries where travellers returning to England are required to isolate for 14 days. Already on the list are Spain, Belgium, Malta and China.
Click here for the list of countries you can return to the UK from without isolating for 14 days.