Update 3 August: Reports now suggest the pause in the next phase of easing lockdown measures does not affect venues' ability to host meetings of up to 30 people as long as they meet Covid Secure guidelines. According to the Tourism Alliance, the two-week delay does not include smaller meetings. The announcement does, however, mean planned pilots for larger events will not go ahead until 15 August at the earliest. The government has yet to publish updated guidance following Friday's announcement.
Prime minister Boris Johnson has delayed the phased reopening of certain
venues by two weeks due to a rise in the number of reported
coronavirus cases in the community in England.
Venues were due to be allowed to hold wedding
receptions for up to 30 people from tomorrow, 1 August, but a recent increase
in the number of coronavirus infections seen in random household testing forced
the government to pause its reopening plans until 15 August at the earliest.
However, guidance that will allow employers to get employees back into Covid
Secure workplaces has not been changed.
The announcement also affects casinos, bowling alleys,
skating rinks and indoor performances, as well as planned trials of live
audiences at sports venues.
The new plan to reopen such services on 15 August is
conditional on cases decreasing again, with restrictions on different
households meeting indoors or in private gardens re-introduced for northern
parts of the country to try to quell local outbreaks.