Venues in England originally set to reopen tomorrow – including bowling alleys, casinos and ice rinks – will not be able to do so, Boris Johnson has confirmed in a briefing this afternoon.
Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister had said these premises would be able to resume trading from 1 August.
This has now been postponed for an extra two weeks at least – with the new reopening date set for 15 August.
The news comes following the recent spike in coronavirus cases in England, with new restrictions being imposed across certain areas in the north – including Greater Manchester.
Johnson also added that changes to wedding celebrations will be postponed.
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Shielding in England will be paused from 1 August.
Face coverings will also be made compulsory from 8 August in museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship.
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"Our assessment is that we should now squeeze that brake pedal… in order to keep the virus under control"
The PM commented: “I’ve consistently warned that this virus could come back… we must be willing to react to the first signs of trouble.
“I won’t stand by and let this virus cause more pain and heartache in this country.
“We have to act rapidly to protect those we love. We know this sort of intervention works.”
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Leader of the opposition Keir Starmer said that he supported the decision to tighten restrictions in the north, but complained that the guidance was communicated “really poorly”; imploring the Government should hold press conferences to announce such measures in the future.
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
The Manc -
31st July 2020 
