Boris Johnson has set out the next steps in the UK's 'road map' out of lockdown.
Speaking on Friday, the Prime Minister confirmed new powers for local authorities as the average number of daily deaths continues to fall, almost four months after the country went into lockdown.
It means that local councils will be able to close specific premises, shut public outdoor spaces and cancel events, as well as impose 'stay at home orders' and reduce the size of private gatherings. It's hoped the new rules will allow a faster response to local outbreaks.
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Boris also confirmed 'close contact' beauty services - such aseyebrow threading and waxing - can resume from 1st August.
Meanwhile, wedding receptions of up to 30 people will be allowed from next months; previously they were limited to ceremonies only.
Boris also announced an increase in coronavirus testing and an extra £3bn of funding for NHS England to prepare for the winter months.
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It comes after gyms, pools and beauty salons were finally allowed to reopen this month.
Last weekend saw amateur team sports resume and outdoor pools reopen, followed by beauty salons on Monday 13th July. And later this month indoor gyms, pools and leisure centres will throw open their doors for the first time in four months.
The UK's emergency lockdown rules have been gradually lifting since early May, with shops, pubs, restaurants and offices slowly beginning to reopen as the country returns to normality.
However, wearing a face mask on public transport remains compulsory and this rule will extend to shops from next weekend.
The plans are part of the government's so-called "road map" for the UK to emerge from the coronavirus crisis.
Topics: News, Coronavirus, Health