The UK government yesterday announced a new set of measures to help curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in England.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson first confirmed the new restrictions to MPs in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, before speaking to the nation in a direct address in the evening.
As well as updated guidance on the rule of six, working from home and the wearing of face coverings, the new measures crucially include a 10pm curfew which is set to be imposed on hospitality venues from Thursday 24th September.
But which businesses are subject to the measure?
And which are exempt?
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According to official guidance published to the gov.uk website yesterday, the government states that: “Businesses selling food or drink (including, cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants), social clubs, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement arcades (and other indoor leisure centres or facilities), funfairs, theme parks, and adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls will be required to closed between 10pm and 5am from 24th September.
“This will include takeaways, but delivery services can continue after 10pm.”
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Businesses Required to Close at 10pm
• Businesses selling food or drink (including cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants)
• Social Clubs
• Casinos
• Bowling Alleys
• Amusement Arcades (and other indoor leisure centres or facilities)
The guidance then goes onto explain that some businesses will be exempt from this.
It states that “some exemptions apply, including cinemas, theatres and concert halls which have started shows before 10pm, however they will not be permitted to serve food or drink to customers after 10pm” and explains that “businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises, can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service or drive-thru.”
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Nightclubs, and sexual entertainment and hostess bars are still required to remain closed.
Also – from 28th September – a wider range of leisure and entertainment venues, services provided in youth and community centres, and close contact services will be required by law to follow COVID-19-secure requirements.
Oliver Dowden – Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – took to Twitter yesterday to shed more light on the businesses set to be affected and what it means for the industry.
2. Business Events
Likewise business events are not permitted to reopen in a covid secure way with social distancing from 1st Oct as was our ambition
This is an important sector & a large employer & I recognise the importance of getting this sector back on its feet quickly
Due to the rapid spread due to social contact, I’m afraid we can no longer permit exemptions for indoor grassroots sport & amateur performing arts and choirs
None of these restrictions will be in place longer than necessary & we will keep them under review
For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Manchester Piccadilly is closing AGAIN for more improvement works this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Piccadilly is set to close again for more improvement works this weekend.
In case you hadn’t heard, Manchester Piccadilly train station was closed for nine days back in mid-February while a ‘once-in-a-generation upgrade’ was carried out – with very few train services running in or out of the station in the process, and as you’d expect, widespread disruption caused for those travelling around the region.
But thankfully, after many journeys were impacted for those travelling to and from major destinations like Manchester Airport, and on the West Coast Mainline, the station was back up and running at the end of February, with passengers thanked for their patience in the meantime.
Network Rail invested £7.9m into the major upgrade, with the main points of action being to improve tracks, points, and signalling systems on the southern approach to Manchester Piccadilly station.
At the time it was announced that the station had reopened, passengers were alerted to further minor closures in the future, and one of those closures is set to take place this weekend.
🗓️ On 1 & 22 March, we’ll complete follow-up work following our £7.9m track upgrade at Manchester Piccadilly.
🛤️ Morning journeys will be disrupted on those days, with rail replacement buses in operation to keep you moving.
This Sunday (22 March), routine follow-up work will take place to secure the new railway foundation stone through a process called tamping, and this will impact trains until 1pm, so passengers are advised to check online ahead of time if planning to travel.
These upgrades are said to help deliver ‘smoother, more reliable’ journeys for passengers in the future, but during this time, trains from the south and east will not run into Manchester Piccadilly.
All station facilities at Manchester Piccadilly will remain open on the day, including the ticket office, Passenger Assist lounge, toilets, and retail outlets, and Metrolink trams will continue to stop at the station too.
Northern has confirmed that it will continue to run a reduced timetable on services to Liverpool Lime Street, Blackpool North, and Chester.
However, if you are travelling on Sunday morning, you are advised to check your journey before you go and allow a little extra time.
“If you need help, our station teams will be on hand,” Northern assured in a statement.
Featured Image – Network Rail
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Heaton Park announces death of its two donkeys following ‘complex’ health and age-related issues
Emily Sergeant
Heaton Park has made the devastating announcement that two more of its beloved donkeys have sadly passed away.
“It is with great sadness that today we announce the passing of Bonnie and Josh, our beloved donkeys, following advice of a vet and The Donkey Sanctuary who visited our Animal Centre,” Heaton Park & Hall announced on its official social platforms at the end of last week.
The death of Bonnie and Josh comes after two of the park’s other donkeys, Ralph and Lenny, also sadly passed away in June and October of last year, respectively.
Both donkeys were born at Heaton Park, and had been steady companions for each other over the last three decades.
Heaton Park announces death of its two donkeys following ‘complex’ health and age-related issues / Credit: Heaton Park & Hall
Josh managed to reach 29, and Bonnie an incredible 33 years of age before passing, and considering that The Donkey Sanctuary says the average life expectancy for a donkey is just over 30, reaching this age was said to be a ‘significant achievement’ for all who cared for Bonnie and Josh.
However in their later years though, both Bonnie and Josh were living with ‘complex’ health and age-related issues.
Ultimately, these complications were what led to them passing away last week.
“They were such kind and gentle souls, and this loss will be felt deeply by all staff, past and present, alongside our visitors,” Heaton Park’s statement continued.
Heaton Park staff closed out their statement thanking everyone who has ever visited the donkeys over the past couple of decades, and particularly the Donkey Welfare Advisers at The Donkey Sanctuary who have supported them and their donkey herd, especially in recent years.
The Manc -
23rd September 2020 
