Coronavirus: Why can't I go to the gym, nail salon, tattoo studio or pool?

Image copyright PA Media Image caption Some gyms have moved equipment outside

As lockdown eases, many businesses have reopened, but not all of them.

Gyms, nail bars, swimming pools and tattoo parlours have been among the places still closed in most of the UK.

But they now have reopening dates in England.

When will indoor gyms open?

Outdoor gyms have been unlocked in England since 4 July.

Indoor gyms, sports halls and leisure centres will now be able to reopen from 25 July.

They will have to follow strict social distancing guidelines, including:

Capacity limits, controlled by a timed booking system Reduced class sizes Equipment spaced out and ventilation Temporary floor markings in dance studios where possible Open changing rooms but customers encouraged to shower and change at home

Outdoor gyms have been open because there is less risk of catching coronavirus in the fresh air.

The government has been more relaxed about outdoor activities than indoor ones since the outbreak began.

Coronavirus is spread by droplets exhaled by an infected person, which can then be picked up from surfaces or from the air. You are less likely to pick up those droplets outdoors.

It is possible that as an infected person taking exercise would be breathing more quickly, the risk of spreading the virus may be increased.

Indoor gyms are due to reopen in Northern Ireland on 10 July. No date has yet been set in Scotland or Wales.

When can I visit a nail bar?

Nail bars have been told that they can reopen on Monday.

They are defined by the government as "close contact services", which it says are some of the "most risky" businesses to reopen.

In the government guidance for these sectors, the "highest risk zone" is defined as "the area in front of the face".

Businesses that need staff to be within that area for most of the appointment are told they should not reopen, unless they can adapt their working practices.

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Nail technicians usually sit opposite their clients, whereas hairdressers can stand behind their customers, or to the side.

In Northern Ireland nail bars and beauty salons were able to reopen on 6 July along with hairdressers and barbers. They will be allowed to open on 22 July in Scotland. No date has been set for Wales.

How will swimming pools reopen?

Swimming pools will be allowed to reopen in England - outdoors from Saturday and indoors from 25 July.

Image copyright Reuters

Before the announcement, Prof Deenan Pillay from University College London told the BBC: "Given the amount of chlorine that is in swimming pools, viruses are not going to survive there.

"So it's not the actual swimming that's the risk but it is all the other stuff that goes with it - the changing rooms, getting in and out the pool and the risk of shared showers."

Swim England has published guidance for operators when pools do open, including:

Increasing the supply of outside air to pools Implementing a one-way entry and exit system To minimise use of changing rooms, encourage bathers to arrive showered and changed ready to swim.

Swimming pools are not allowed to open anywhere in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland at the moment.

Why can't I get a tattoo?

Tattoo artists will be able to start work again on Monday.

Tattoo artists also work in very close contact with their customers, sometimes for a long time. Touching people is known to increase the risk of transmitting the virus.

Tattoo artists say it has been frustrating having to stay shut - especially since they have long been required to have measures in place to prevent cross-contamination.

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The Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union say they have submitted a 10-point plan for reopening studios to the government, which includes:

wearing masks, face shields, aprons and gloves keeping work stations 2m apart considering relocating or deferring tattoos or piercings that require face-to-face working.

Tattoo studios have been allowed to open in Northern Ireland since 6 July. No date has been set in Wales or Scotland.

What else is still closed?

The following sectors are all still closed in England:

Nightclubs, dance halls, discotheques Casinos Bowling alleys Indoor skating rinks Indoor play areas Spas Tanning booths and salons Massage parlours Indoor fitness and dance studios Exhibition halls and conference centres