Time To Shape Up, Pools And Gyms Get The Green Light

Swimming pools, leisure centres and gyms can reopen this month to get Britain “match fit” again, the Government announced.

- Macer Hall

People will be able to work out and take a dip from July 25 as the virus infection rate continues to fall.

Tanning salons, nail bars and tattoo parlours can welcome back customers from Monday as the close-contact beauty trade resumes.

And performing artists will be allowed to put on outdoor plays and concerts from next week as well.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, announcing the latest moves, said: “As we’ve made huge progress against this disease, we’ve gradually seen the things we love return.”

Officials at the Department for Culture, Digital, Media and Sport published new guidelines to ensure the beauty and leisure sectors of the economy can begin trading again while minimising danger of spreading coronavirus.

Reopened leisure facilities must introduce timed booking systems to limit numbers, equipment will have to be spaced out and enhanced cleaning will be mandatory.