Business owners say they cannot wait until coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease from Monday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that non-essential retail, pubs, hairdressers and restaurants are among the businesses which will be allowed to reopen.
Cassandra Lee, the owner of Appleby’s Royal Oak Inn, said: “I’m really excited, we can’t wait to open up again.
“There is a real buzz about. I think people are really excited to get out and be social. It’s been so long since we’ve been able to have fun.
“We’ve been gearing up for a few weeks, we’ve built a beautiful wooden pagoda outside and our managers have all been in cleaning up the premises for opening.”
Cameron Prokas, co-owner of BB’s Gents Hair Stylist with Andrew Wills in Penrith, said: “We don’t see it as a job. it’s something we love doing so we’ve basically had our hobby taken away for four months.
“Our online bookings are full for two weeks and we’re really well prepared with our PPE for reopening.
“People have been messaging us all through lockdown saying they can’t control their hair.
“We’re just excited to make people feel good again.”
Mr Johnson also announced in a Downing Street press conference last night that:
- Care home residents will be allowed two visitors.
- Non-essential shops and close-contact services such as hairdressers and barbers can reopen
- Restaurants and pubs can start serving customers outdoors, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol, and no curfew. However, people will have to eat and drink while seated
- Gyms and spas, zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres can reopen
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
- All children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity, including sport
- Parent and child groups of up to 15 people (not counting children aged under five years old) can restart indoors
