NIGHTCLUB doors have been kept shut since the first Covid lockdown in March 2020.
Boris Johnson revealed his roadmap for unlocking the country from the coronavirus shutdown back in February, but what does that mean for Britain’s clubs?
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The first part of the four-step plan was put into action on March 8, seeing kids return to classrooms.
On March 29, the “Rule of Six” returned to parks and private gardens — allowing six people from up to six different households to mix outdoors.
And from tomorrow people will be able to sit in pub gardens with a pint and buy takeaway booze.
Unfortunately nightclubs will be one of the last sets of businesses that are allowed to open.
Here, we take you through everything we know so far.
When will nightclubs open in the UK?
When announcing the roadmap out of lockdown, Boris Johnson said that all restrictions will be lifted on June 21 – including nightclubs.
The PM said that for now nightclubs, along with dance halls and discotheques, will stay shut while other restrictions are lifted.
This is due to the difficulty of making them Covid-secure due to limited social distancing and lower ability to keep areas clean constantly.
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The opening date is not set in stone and depends on the roll out of the vaccination programme and if that continues to progress well.
The introduction of rapid later flow testing could also mean nightclubs are given the green light to reopen earlier than expected.
These tests can give quick results as to whether someone has Covid-19 without waiting for lab results.
It usually takes around half an hour for the results to be processed.
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There are four tests the government says need to be passed before any restrictions are eased:
- The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
- Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
- Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
- Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern
How will social distancing in nightclubs work?
Pubs, theatres, music halls and many open-air venues have previously been allowed to start running again between lockdowns with social distancing in place.
Nightclubs pose a major challenge and have not reopened at all since the coronavirus crisis first hit nearly a year ago.
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It is believed that clubs will be required to adhere to a strict set of rules before resuming operations.
It’s been said that dance floors are “a challenging area to operate” with social distancing remaining intact.
This could mean that clubbers wash their hands with sanitiser before going in.
Dance floor fans may be subject to temperature checks before entry, and queuing outside venues would be spaced out with markings to maintain distancing.
For clubs with seating and tables, people may have to remain in their seat within a bubble to stick to social distancing.
Face masks are likely to be required when inside – just like they are in other places like supermarkets.
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What other public spaces remain closed?
Alongside nightclubs, sports and performance stadiums are still closed to the public.
Gyms will be allowed to reopen from tomorrow, meaning Brits will no longer be limited to working out outside.
However, group exercise classes won’t restart until mid-May when restrictions start lifting for indoor gatherings.
Music lovers could be allowed to outdoor concerts sooner – big events and sports stadium will be allowed to reopen from May 17, with limits on capacity to ensure covid safety.
Parks and green spaces are open to the public where people are able to take daily exercise.
China nightclubs reopen with staff and guest wearing masks, having their temperature taken and washing hands with sanitiser
The Prime Minister also announced that Hairdressers will open from April 12 along with gyms.
Working from home measures will remain in place until at least June
A full list of businesses that must stay closed until April 12 was revealed today – with cinemas and bingo halls to stay closed until May 17
