Northampton businesses celebrate being allowed to reopen tomorrow as coronavirus lockdown easing resumes

Many businesses across Northampton are celebrating being finally allowed to reopen after having to wait because of a national rise in coronavirus cases.

Soft play centres, casinos and bowling alleys can welcome back customers while more beauty treatments and larger wedding receptions are allowed from tomorrow (Saturday, August 15).

Last night (Thursday), Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced bigger fines for failing to wear a mask in places where it is compulsory and for holding gatherings of more than 30 people.

Hullabaloo Play and Party Centre in Gladstone Road, Dallington, wrote on Facebook that their 'voices and prayers have been heard' by the government after complaining about not being allowed to reopen.

"We have been working hard to decorate and refresh the centre. We are completing the final stages to ensure we are Covid-secure and safe.

"All customers must pre book prior to any visit and sessions are restricted to a set number and also a set time. We will announce our opening very soon."

Riverside Hub opened several parts of the Carousel Way children's play centre on Sunday, after initially saying 'goodbye for now', but even more will be accessible from this weekend.

"Hooray! Soft-play can open tomorrow! We will be opening our giant play-frame from Saturday," its Facebook page.

"There is a bit of bad news though - new government regulations mean that our sensory rooms have to close for the time being.

"We will be lobbying the government as to why sensory rooms have to remain shut, with a view to getting them open at some date in the future.

"For the meantime, you can enjoy the UK's biggest indoor play-frame again for the first time in five months!"

Beauty salons and make-up artists had criticised the government for outlawing a range of 'close-contact' treatments such as applying make-up, facials, eyebrow threading and more.

But those will all be allowed from tomorrow, as well as eyelash treatments, dermaplaning and microblading.

Mobile and at-home beauty therapist Beauty By Gemma, who is based in Great Billing, wrote on Facebook: "Yay! Finally after months and months of waiting, we can finally offer facial treatments!

"This means brow waxing and other facial waxing, facial treatments, lash lifts, Dermaplaning & Microblading is all allowed. Perfect news to wake up to on a Friday morning!"

Following new scientific evidence and consultations with the industry, all staff offering close contact services, including hairdressers, should now wear a type two surgical face mask in addition to a clear visor that covers the face.

This will help protect the customer and staff from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing, or speaking, according to the government.

The guidance also applies to businesses that operate remotely, such as massage therapists working in people’s homes, and those learning in vocational training environments.

Make-up artist beauty therapist Helen Silver, who is based at Radiance Therapy Rooms in Oulton Rise, put on her Facebook page: "I’m so happy to be able to open up tomorrow!

"The news came in last night and I have been buzzing ever since. I have August appointments booked up for my original bookings.

"However I’m taking new appointments from September and I cannot wait to see you all!"

Wedding receptions in the form of a sit-down meal in a Covid-secure location for up to 30 guests will now be permitted as well as indoor performances with socially distanced audiences.

Plus pilots for indoor business events and fans at sporting events will resume after being put back.

Under current guidance, people who refuse to wear a face covering where required face a £100 fine, which can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

The new enforcement measures means that penalty will repeatedly double for subsequent offences, up to a maximum of £3,200.

Illegal gatherings of more than 30 people, such as raves, could see those responsible given fines of up to £10,000.

Mr Johnson said: "Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus, but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent.

"That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules.

"At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus.

"Today, we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed.

"However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required, or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus."