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Coronavirus: What's happening with pools, haircuts and gyms?

EPA Socially-distanced at the gymEPA

For the first time in months, leisure centres, outdoor attractions and hairdressers are open to customers across the UK.

But what are the rules in the different nations?

What are the latest rules for gyms and swimming pools?

Indoors gyms are now able to reopen in England.

  • You can only visit gyms alone or with other members of your household
  • Social distancing rules should be followed
  • Indoor group exercises classes will not be allowed until at least 17 May

Other types of indoor leisure facilities are also permitted to open (for individual/household/bubble exercise) - including:

  • Swimming pools
  • Sports courts
  • Dance studios and fitness centres
  • Driving and shooting ranges
  • Riding arenas
  • Archery venues
  • Climbing wall centres
Getty Images Two men in a swimming poolGetty Images

In Wales, gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can now reopen for individual training, but not for group classes.

Outdoor sports facilities are also open, including tennis courts, golf courses and bowling greens. Organised outdoor activities and sports for under-18s have resumed.

In Scotland, gyms have reopened for individual exercise, with indoor group exercise due to resume from 17 May.

Outdoor contact group sports for 12 to 17-year-olds have also restarted.

Gyms and swimming pools can now reopen in Northern Ireland for individual exercise and one-to-one training/coaching with social distancing.

Outdoor sport is allowed, limited to 10 people from two households - but up to 15 people (including coaches) can now train outdoors together, through clubs affiliated to recognised sports governing bodies.

Other outdoor sporting facilities - such as golf courses - can also reopen, but clubhouses and changing facilities must stay closed. No spectators are allowed.

It is hoped that indoor group exercise will resume on 24 May.

Can I get a haircut?

In England, hairdressers and nail salons have reopened, along with non-essential retail and libraries.

People who offer close-contact services in the home - such as mobile hairdressers and massage therapists - can also return to work, but must follow government guidance.

EPA Nail bars have now reopened in EnglandEPA

In Wales, all hairdressers and other close-contact services (including mobile) have reopened.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, all hairdressers and other close-contact services (including mobile) have reopened, for pre-booked appointments only.

What about zoos, theme parks, nightclubs and theatres?

England:

  • Most outdoor attractions - including zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas - can open
  • Some theatre performances, concerts and sports events can resume no earlier than 17 May - with indoor crowds of up to 1,000 people or 50% venue capacity (whichever is lower), and outdoor crowds of 4,000 people or 50% venue capacity (whichever is lower)
  • Nightclubs could be allowed from 21 June
PA Media Children watch a penguin at the zoo - 12 April 2021PA Media

Scotland:

  • Indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries can operate
  • Cinemas, amusement arcades and bingo halls from 17 May
  • Small outdoor and indoor events (with restrictions) from 17 May

Wales:

  • Outdoor attractions can open, including funfairs, zoos and theme parks - as well as the outdoor areas of heritage sites or historic parks and gardens

Northern Ireland:

  • Outdoor visitor attractions can open, including activity centres, parks, play areas, and the outdoor areas of stately homes, historic homes and castles