• The Government has announced tourism and visitor attractions will reopen in England from 4th July.
• Up to 370 businesses in Crawley will benefit, following local MP’s support for reopening.

Henry Smith MP has welcomed the reopening of the tourism sector on 4th July, giving a boost for up to 370 businesses in Crawley, and called on people to show their support for businesses following a challenging three months.

Thanks to the efforts and sacrifice of the British people, coronavirus (COVID-19) is being brought under control and meeting the five tests set out by the Government needed for the safe reopening of parts of our economy.

The Prime Minister has therefore set out further changes to lockdown measures in England, to ensure people can see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back to the jobs they love.

As part of this careful easing, from Saturday 4th July, pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines, and some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen if they can do so safely.

Crawley MP Henry Smith is urging people to show their support to local businesses reopening to help them bounce back.

Henry said;

“Thanks to the efforts of the British people to control the virus, I am delighted we have created the space to allow people to take a much needed holiday and enjoy everything Crawley has to offer.

“I hope people get out to support the tourism and hospitality businesses which are reopening and which are so vital to our local economy and jobs.

“Safety is of paramount importance and it is vital that social distancing rules and safety guidance are adhered to, and local people as well as our guests feel safe and I will continue to press that.”

The Government will also be publishing detailed guidance to help tourist attractions and accommodation venues to reopen safely, such as by social distancing and cleaning protocols. A new industry standard will also be introduced by Visit England, so that the public can easily see if the venue is carrying out the new rules.

While the infection rate continues to fall, the Prime Minister has been clear that the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep coronavirus under control. The Government will keep all measures under constant review.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Oliver Dowden, said;

“This is a significant moment for the UK’s fantastic tourism and hospitality businesses and the bounce back can now begin on July 4th. Across the country people have been looking forward to taking a day trip, weekend break or staycation following their efforts in lockdown over the past three months. Britain deserves a break and I hope people get out, support tourism businesses and enjoy a break safely.”

Note to Editors:

From 4th July 2020:

• • Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines.
  • Two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures and people can now enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites.

Some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen in order to begin restoring the arts and cultural sector, if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.