[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] From the 4th, pubs, cafes, and restaurants in the UK will reopen after three months. Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to act responsibly to prevent a resurgence.
According to BBC and The Guardian on the 3rd (local time), with the easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures, pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the England region will reopen from the 4th.
Previously, the UK had ordered all cafes, pubs, and restaurants to close from March 20, and from the 23rd, all stores except essential businesses such as supermarkets and pharmacies were shut down.
These lockdown measures were applied throughout April and have been gradually eased since May.
Some have expressed concerns that people might flock to pubs and bars as businesses reopen. In response, Prime Minister Johnson plans to urge continued caution regarding COVID-19 during a press conference this afternoon.
According to a pre-distributed speech, Johnson explained that this reopening is "to support the livelihoods of business owners and employees." He emphasized, "The health of businesses and their livelihoods, ultimately the soundness of the entire country's economy, depends on all of us acting responsibly," adding, "We must never let anyone down."
Johnson pointed out, "Just as when we started the lockdown, easing will only succeed if everyone participates together," and noted, "We are not out of the woods yet. The virus is still with us, as shown by the surge in infections in Leicester."
Johnson stated, "The government will not hesitate to impose restrictions again if the virus spreads due to this change."
Unlike England, Scotland will allow outdoor operations of pubs and restaurants from the 6th and full reopening from the 15th. Northern Ireland will reopen pubs and restaurants from the 3rd, one day ahead of England. The Welsh government has not yet finalized a specific reopening schedule.
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