Tomorrow the Prime Minister will provide an update on the easing of
the national lockdown, and further changes which are expected to
take effect from 15 June. This includes the opening of outdoor
attractions where people stay in their cars, such as safari parks
and drive-in cinemas, given the low risk of coronavirus
transmission. The Prime Minister is also expected to announce zoos
will be allowed to reopen from 15 June, subject to appropriate
social distancing measures being in...Request free trial
Tomorrow the Prime Minister will provide an update on the easing of
the national lockdown, and further changes which are expected to
take effect from 15 June.
This includes the opening of outdoor attractions where people stay
in their cars, such as safari parks and drive-in cinemas, given the
low risk of coronavirus transmission.
The Prime Minister is also expected to announce zoos will be
allowed to reopen from 15 June, subject to appropriate social
distancing measures being in place.
This includes keeping indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses,
closed and ensuring other amenities like cafes are in line with the
Government’s wider guidance and offer take-away services
only.
The move follows close work by the Government with the zoo industry
to ensure visitor numbers can be managed and safeguards are put in
place.
The decision to relax restrictions on these select outdoor
attractions is part of the Government’s careful approach to easing
the lockdown in phases, guided by the advice of scientific and
medical experts and the fact the risk of transmission is much lower
outdoors.
The Prime Minister is expected to announce these changes in
tomorrow’s Downing Street Press Conference.
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.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The Government has provided
a £14 million support fund to ensure smaller zoos have been
able 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.
