Follow all the day’s coronavirus news as the easing of lockdown measures in England also reopens restaurants, theme parks, galleries, hotels, cinemas and bingo halls * Let’s not blow it,’ says Boris Johnson on eve of English pubs reopening * Coronavirus – latest global updates * See all our coronavirus coverage 11.27am BST While businesses like pubs, barbers and galleries can reopen in ENGLAND today, it’s important to remember all those that have not been given the green light to reopen in a Covid-secure way, including the creative industries, which stand on the brink of collapse. Last night, NICHOLAS HYTNER, the former artistic director of the National Theatre, issued a stark warning that the fate of the UK’s entire cultural ecosystem is “right at the critical point now”. Unless there is a substantial, unprecedented rescue package as part of the chancellor’s July statement next week, we’re really looking at waves of insolvencies, waves of redundancies. We’re looking at the whole ecosystem breaking down. [As well as theatres] we’re talking about concert venues, large and small, gigs, community arts, circus, classical and popular music – this is massive generating force for the economy at large. "Unless there is a substantial rescue package we are looking at waves of insolvencies. We are looking at the whole cultural ecosystem breaking down. This is not just theatres." - a stark warning from Nicholas Hytner, former artistic director of the National Theatre. #Newsnight pic.twitter.com/kyLr8f7U26 "What's the difference between an aeroplane and a Theatre. Why is it safe to fly six a breast to Greece but not safe to sit in a theatre? I don't understand that." - questions Nicholas Hytner, former artistic director of the National Theatre.#Newsnight pic.twitter.com/vJNWZKUD0J 11.03am BST Ahead of the 72nd anniversary of the NHS tomorrow, health workers have taken to Twitter to implore people to drink responsibly as pubs reopen today and to remember that the coronavirus pandemic is not over. One lung doctor wrote: I just got dressed for the pubs reopening today. Please drink responsibly, which means not in a pub.#SuperSpreaderSaturday #WelcomeBackPubs pic.twitter.com/2zy8jl4q4m Just a friendly reminder that whilst today is an exciting day and we’re all desperate to go back to normality, coronavirus hasn’t just disappeared and there is still many of us still working to fight this. Stay safe and please drink responsibly #PubsOpening pic.twitter.com/W4rXsVqyEA Continue reading...
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