Lockdown conditions across the UK are easing slowly, with non-essential shops permitted to open from Monday, June 15. Shops must create a safe space for customers, and ensure social distancing guidelines can be adhered to. With the easing of some lockdown rules, Brits are itching to know when and if they can go on holiday this year.
When can Britons go on holiday?
Business Secretary Alok Sharma led the Government’s daily coronavirus conference on Tuesday and was asked by a member of the public if holidays would soon be permitted.
Questioner Alison from London asked: “At the moment people can go on day trips, to exercise or meet family following social distancing rules. But when can people and families book UK holidays and stay overnight? For example self-catering camping and cottage hire.”
Mr Sharma responded: “I do understand why people want to have answers to those questions.
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“But what I’ve said and what the Government has said all along is that we want to do an opening of the economy in a phased manner, in a careful manner and that’s what we have done.”
He added: “On June 1, we reopened parts of the economy, we are now saying for other retail, they will able to be open from June 15.
“But of course its really important we continue to support the sort of businesses that Alison has talked about, so we have the furlough scheme in place, we have the grant scheme in place and we will continue to support our businesses.”
Matt Hancock said he hoped the Government would be able to get to a position where people were able to go on holiday this summer.
He told the Number 10 briefing on Monday: “For those who aren’t able to go abroad for a holiday, I know the impact that will have this summer. I understand that.
“I just hope that we will be able to get to a position where people will be able to go on holiday – including domestically – safely, carefully and in a COVID-secure way.”
Speaking in May, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said staycations may be permitted this summer.
He told the Downing Street press conference: “I would love to get the tourism sector up as quickly as we possibly can.
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“We’ve set this very ambitious plan to try and get it up and running by the beginning of July.”
The Government’s target is July 4 to reopen the UK tourism sector.
Speaking later in the House of Commons, Mr Dowden said: “Self-let accommodation has a lower risk, so I would hope that is at the front of the queue.”
Stormont economy minister Diane Dodds has said Northern Ireland’s hotels are permitted to reopen from July 20 as long as the rate of infection is under control.
The July 20 date also covers guesthouses, guest accommodation, B&Bs hotels and hostels.
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