Gyms and pools in the East to reopen on July 25

  • Watch a video report by ITV News Anglia's Claire McGlasson

Indoor gyms, pools and sports facilities can reopen from July 25, while outdoor swimming pools will be able to reopen from Saturday onwards, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced.

Speaking at the coronavirus briefing Mr Dowden announced the next stage of the easing of England’s lockdown.

Outdoor arts performances – including theatres, opera, dance and music – will also be able to resume from the weekend although audience numbers will be restricted and will be subject to social distancing rules.

Indoor gyms and pools can reopen from July 25 but with safety measures in place, including timed entry, which will limit the number of people using the facility at any one time, extra cleaning and smaller class sizes.

Pools will also be allowed to reopen Credit: ITV News Anglia

The announcement will allow millions of people to return to the physical activity they have been craving since the lockdown began.

Sports hall can also reopen from July 25, meaning the return of many sports, including badminton and volleyball.

What is reopening and when?

  • Outdoor swimming pools from July 11

  • Indoor gyms swimming pools and sports facilities from July 25

  • Team sport can return from this weekend, guidance will be published from Saturday

  • Outdoor arts performances from Saturday

  • Beauticians, tattooists, spas, and tanning salons can reopen from July 13

The latest lockdown easing comes on the same day it was revealed Prime Minister Boris Johnson had missed his target on coronavirus test results.

Mr Johnson had wanted all coronavirus test results to be returned within 24 hours of the test taking place - but in reality, just 1.8% of home tests achieved this goal in the most recent week.