Streets in London appeared packed as residents went out for the reopening of pubs around the city since closing for the COVID-19 crisis.
Drinkers in Soho congregate, as coronavirus lockdown restrictions eased across England, in London, Saturday July 4, 2020. England embarked on perhaps its biggest lockdown easing yet as pubs and restaurants reopened for the first time in more than three months.
For the most part, people appeared to abide by the rules and rejoiced at the chance Saturday to lift a pint in the company of their mates. but in some places large crowds raised concerns that the deadliest outbreak in Europe may find fresh legs."As long as everyone’s keeping their distance, we’re going to have a few drinks and just enjoy it and try and get back to a bit of normality,” he said.
John Apter, chair of the Police Federation, who was on patrol in the southern England city of Southampton, said it was a busy shift, one that saw officers having to deal with naked men, “happy” drunks as well as “angry” drunks. He said the shift “managed to cope” but it was “crystal clear” that those who have imbibed one too many cannot, or won't, socially distance.
“Quickly everything got out of control and by 8-9 p.m. it was a proper street party with people dancing and drinking,” he said. “Barely anyone was wearing masks and nobody respected social distancing .... to be honest with that many people on one street it was physically impossible.” “We need to look at the fastest route out of COVID-19 and that is not the current route, and that means a better economic recovery as well,” he told Sky News.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Crystal clear' that drunk people can't socially distance -- UK police officerDrunk people can't properly socially distance, a UK police officer warned after finishing a late shift Saturday -- the first day that pubs reopened in England after the coronavirus shutdown.
Read more »
Pubs reopen in England, but other parts of the world signal things are anything but normalPubs, hair salons and movie theaters have reopened across England in the biggest relaxing yet of Britain's virus-prevention measures
Read more »
Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers reopen as England's lockdown easesEngland takes its biggest steps yet towards resumption of normal life on Saturday as people are finally allowed to drink in a pub, get a haircut or have a meal in a restaurant for the first time in over three months.
Read more »
Pubs and restaurants reopen in England for 'Super Saturday'The move is part of a wider government plan to relaunch the hospitality, tourism and culture sectors and help the UK economy recover from more than three tough months of lockdown.
Read more »
Here’s What England’s ‘Super Saturday’ Looks Like As Pubs Reopen (Photos)Pubs across England have opened their doors again for “Super Saturday,” the day when English businesses like pubs, salons, restaurants and movie theaters are allowed to welcome visitors again for the first time in months since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Britain.
Read more »
A very English 'independence day': Pubs reopen despite lingering coronavirus'There is a genuine excitement,' a pub landlord said. 'They want to let their hair down.'
Read more »