From tomorrow, Saturday July 4, restaurants, bars, leisure and entertainment venues can reopen as part of the latest relaxation of restrictions. However it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over and there is still a risk of catching the virus.
If you are planning to head into the city centre, please take all precautions to keep yourself safe and be aware that things will not be exactly the same as before as businesses and the council have put measures in place for everyone’s safety.
All hospitality indoors will be table service only, and contact between staff and customers will be limited. Customers will also have to give contact details when they enter a pub or restaurant.
You should plan your visit to the city centre before you set off. Some roads are closed and there have been changes to public transport. If you go by car, remember that charges for parking are being reinstated from 4th July.
Leeds City Council has issued guidance for residents, visitors and businesses as hospitality and entertainment venues prepare to reopen this weekend. Lots of information can be found here:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/people-and-communities#visit
Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:
“We know many people are looking forward to venues reopening, but we would appeal to everyone to respect the rules to ensure venues can keep staff and customers safe. This is another important step in our city centre reopening and bringing its economy back to life.
“We are working closely with businesses and partners to do all we can to help the reopening run smoothly, but we need everyone to play their part to make it a success and keep everyone safe.”
To help keep people safe and stop the spread of the virus LCC are:
- installing social distancing and key information signs in busy areas
- installing hand washing stations
- widening some pedestrian areas
- reopening some public toilets
- introducing safety measures at the train and bus stations
- regularly cleaning benches, bins and push buttons
- using volunteer ambassadors to welcome people back and support social distancing measures
- organising a team of night marshals for the 4, 5, 10 and 11 July
To keep yourself and others safe, you should:
- follow the advice on staying safe outside your home on GOV.UK
- stay 2 meters apart
- follow the queuing systems to get into shops
- use contactless payment where possible
- wash your hands or use hand sanitisers regularly
