This is what can reopen in South Tyneside as lockdown eases again on Monday, April 12

Families and friends have been allowed to mix again either under the rule of six or as two households from March 29, as well as outdoor sport and other restrictions changing.

Now the Government has confirmed that from Monday, April 12, areas of the economy can reopen – allowing us to have a drink or meal at a pub, restaurant or cafe (albeit outdoors), use leisure facilities, and even go on holiday.

Here is a rundown of how life can change in South Tyneside from April 12.

Outdoor hospitality

Probably the most widely talked about aspect of the April 12 road map date is the reopening of pub beer gardens, with the Prime Minister himself admitting at the Easter Monday press conference he was keen to get out for a pint of beer.

Pub landlords and managers across South Tyneside have been busy preparing for reopening their outdoor areas. And in some cases, creating new ones.

However, it is not just pubs which can open outdoor areas, and restaurants and cafes too.

Customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’).

There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew,

Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Attractions

Zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas are all allowed to reopen on April 12.

In South Tyneside, this will mean the long-awaited opening of Ocean Pleasure Beach, the fair having been forced to stay closed for its second Easter weekend in a row, preventing traditional visits.

Jarrow Hall’s Anglo-Saxon farm and village is another of the borough’s attractions set to open, with a reopening date of Tuesday, April 13,

Leisure

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen, but only for use by people on their own or in household groups.

South Tyneside Council said all its venues would reopen, including Haven Point, Hebburn Central, Temple Park Centre, Jarrow Focus, and Monkton Stadium.

Duo and multi members can book gym and swim sessions online from Tuesday, April 6 Get Active card holders can book by calling a centre from Wednesday, April 7.

The full list of leisure facilities reopening at council venues includes:

Indoor training can return for under 18s

Gyms

Swimming pools

3G pitches available to hire

Café takeaway service

The learn-to-swim programme will return on April 26

People must wait until at least Monday, 17 May, the next roadmap date, for fitness classes, saunas and steam rooms to reopen

Public buildings, including libraries and community centres, can also reopen, though details are still to come for those in South Tyneside.

Holidays

Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.

This will give permission to South Tyneside’s holiday parks, chalets and other self-catering accommodation to reopen if they wish.

Barbers and salons

Personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons can reopen, with many booked up even before the reopening date was confirmed

Shops

Non-essential retail

Shops across the borough will be welcoming back customers for the first time since December.

Weddings and funerals

While funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15.

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