Gyms, pools and leisure centres WILL reopen in Luton as 'significant progress' made controlling coronavirus spike

The Department for Health and Social Care announced today that partial lockdown restrictions in Luton will be lifted, thanks to swift action taken to bring a recent spike in Covid-19 cases under control.

The council expects that gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres can reopen from Monday, August 3.

Today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced other businesses will reopen on Saturday, August 15. These include:

> Beauticians;

> Bowling alleys;

> Casinos;

> Indoor performances with live audiences;

> Skating rinks;

> Wedding receptions for up to 30 people;

Those listed above can reopen as long as they have measures in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Gerry Taylor, Luton’s director of public health, has "welcomed" the news but recommends keeping local guidance in place while the council waits for the results of additional mass testing it has undertaken.

Ms Taylor said: “I would like to thank Luton’s residents for playing their part to help reduce the spread of the virus by coming forward to get tested.

"This announcement from the government gives assurance that we are doing the right things to control the virus locally.

“However, we must remain cautious and will be keeping additional local guidance in place until we receive the results from the increased testing this week so we can assess the full impact and level of community transmission.

“We are therefore still advising residents to follow the current local guidelines to protect Luton and to safeguard families. These local guidelines will be reviewed on a weekly basis."

Local guidance is as follows:

> Keep a 2 metre distance from people from outside of your household at all times;

> Continue to wash your hands regularly;

> Wear a face covering in all enclosed public spaces where it is difficult to keep 2 metres apart;

> Avoid social visits to other people’s homes or private gardens - if meeting up with others socially, do so outside in an open space or park;

> Avoid large groups – groups should not exceed a max of 6 people (unless they live in the same house);

Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for public health, added: “I once again would like to thank residents for everything they are doing during this difficult time.

"This is such a fast moving situation with the national restrictions and local guidance changing regularly which I know can be both frustrating and at times confusing”

“I urge all Luton residents to book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus as this will help us better understand the level of transmission in the community and control the virus.”

For more information and to see the latest local guidance visit www.luton.gov.uk/coronavirus