TODAY IS THE DAY! Shops, pubs, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor attractions in Northamptonshire are reopening

Today marks an important day in Northamptonshire’s coronavirus diary. Restrictions have been relaxed and a number of freedoms have been restored.

Monday April 12 has been circled on many calendars since Boris Johnson announced his roadmap on February 22, with the promise that stores, hairdressers, gyms and pubs will be back in business for the first time this year.

The rules for weddings and family visits to care facilities are also being adjusted as part of Step 2 of the Prime Minister’s grand plan to “get things back to normal” by June 21st.

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Here’s an overview of what you can do again starting today – and what you still can’t …

Those who long to stroll the aisles of your favorite clothing and homeware stores are in luck. The non-essential businesses in Northamptonshire are open for the first time since the county was classified in fourth tier on December 30th.

You can even try on anything you notice before you buy – though you may have to queue. Guidelines issued last week advised stores to leave a “several minute gap” between customers and to clean the booths regularly.

Today marks the second step in the roadmap out of the lockdown with new rules for shopping, hairdressers, gyms and weddings

Masks are still mandatory unless you are medically exempt and remember the queues outside of stores for the last big reopening last June!

If you’re tired of wearing the latest lockdown look or still wearing a big hat to hide a DIY ornament, the good news is that hairdressers and barbers are back in business.

Northamptonshire’s non-essential retailers like Primark are reopening their doors today. Photo: Getty Images

Some crimpers may have already done a full shift with appointments at one minute past midnight to win in some salons.

Other personal care services such as nail salons are also open again.

■ We go to the pub

Some salons offered the desperate one minute past midnight appointments for a hairstyle. Photo: Getty Images

Although the first thing to check before heading out to the pub is the weather forecast.

Yesterday’s snow in Northamptonshire made some wonder how interested they were in a cheeky beer, as drinking is not allowed outside until May 17th at the earliest. The same goes for food in restaurants.

Only the drunkards with a suitable place outside can open – and that means that around 60 percent of the hostels in the district will remain closed for the time being.

Shares in companies that supply patio heating could be worth a few bobsleighs.

LOOK AT THIS: Stunning pub gardens and outdoor dining areas in Northamptonshire

Gyms across the county are geared towards welcoming fitness freaks back. Photo: Getty Images

Fitness fans will be delighted that indoor gyms, pools, and other indoor recreational and sports facilities are reopening – although a few big buts are appropriate, mostly you can workout on your own with your household or your bladder.

The rules don’t yet allow classes to be held indoors, but outdoors is OK.

Outdoor sports facilities such as golf courses, tennis and basketball courts and outdoor swimming pools have been open since March 29 – as long as you stick to the rule of six.

Traveling abroad is still a no-no, but staying overnight in standalone accommodations – caravans, Airbnbs, self-catering cottages, shepherds’ huts, etc. – is fine in England.

Eventually, you can get away with your household or support bubble for a few nights, though it’s worth keeping in mind that we’re still being told to keep the distances we travel as short as possible.

LIFE IS A PITCH: Our top 12 glamping and camping sites in and around Northamptonshire

Parents who have tried largely to entertain their children at home for the past year can finally expand their repertoire as outdoor attractions like zoos, theme parks, and drive-ins reopen their doors.

Some smaller outdoor events such as festivals and exhibition centers also have the green light to resume.

GRAND DAY OUT: Make your choice from these Northamptonshire outdoor attractions

■ Return of childcare indoors

Another good news for suffering mothers and fathers is that child care and supervised activities are allowed both indoors and outdoors. Again there is a ‘but“Because only groups of up to 15 adults and children can take part, although children under five don’t count.

■ Still not big weddings, but they can be a little bigger

Until now, six has been the maximum number for people at weddings. Now, however, wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, as well as other memorial services – including guards – can be held for up to 15 people NOT including everyone working on the event.

Such events are also permitted in indoor spaces that may be open or where an exception applies and the restriction for “exceptional circumstances only” is lifted.

You can also host a wedding reception with up to 15 people in attendance, but it must be outdoors – not in a private garden.

■ Finally a hug from grandma or grandpa

Those who long to see their loved ones in nursing homes – and those in nursing homes who yearn to see their loved ones – now have a greater chance of doing just that.

After a quick cross-flow test, each resident can select two named people for their regular indoor visits. Check out how everything works HERE.

Libraries have been a little under the radar compared to pubs and shops, but public buildings like libraries and community centers are reopening. Welcome messages for bookworms stuck in the winter with the same old amounts for society.

Some of the old restrictions will remain in place until at least May 17th – especially the one not to mix your home with someone you don’t live with or who isn’t part of your “bladder”.

The police will continue to issue £ 200 fixed criminal charges for anyone who breaks this rule, or even more if you throw a group of 15 or more inisde.

Social distancing rules still mean people have to be at least two meters apart ALL OVER and you should continue to work from home wherever you can.

If you have any of the three main symptoms of the coronavirus – high temperature, new or persistent cough, or loss of taste – shut yourself off from everyone else and CLICK HERE to book a test or call 119.

For those with no symptoms, anyone in England can do a quick side flow device test twice a week – CLICK HERE to see free trials being offered across Northamptonshire.

Weddings can now have 15 visitors, with more to come next month. Photo: Getty Images