Latest Information

Last updated  3:50pm, 29 March 2021

The Cabinet Office has produced the full guidance for Step 1b of the Roadmap which came into effect 29 March 2021. The key rules are:

• People can meet outdoors either in a group of 6 (from any number of households), or in a group of any size from up to 2 households (a household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)

• People can take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people (outdoor sports venues and facilities will be able to reopen)

• Childcare and supervised activities are allowed outdoors for all children

• Formally organised parent and child groups can take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under 5 will not be counted in this number

While it is now no longer a legal requirement to only travel for a permitted reasons, people are advised to minimise travel where possible. This means:

• Avoiding making unnecessary trips

• Combining trips where possible

Further guidiance details are availible on gov.uk

Updated Guidance on Businesses Restrictions

With the start of Step1b, the guidance on which businesses are able to open and which businesses must remain closed has also been updated. The key points here are the list of types of outdoor activity that are now allowed includes outdoor sports facilities such as:

• gyms

• swimming pools

• sports courts (such as tennis and basketball courts)

• golf courses, including mini golf

• water sports venues

• climbing walls

• driving and shooting ranges

• riding arenas at riding centres

• archery venues

People can use these venues in a group of six people, or with members of up to two households.

Further guidiance details are availible on gov.uk
 

Attractions | Shopping | Food & Drink | Parks & Open Spaces | Accommodation |  Travel

Attractions

All tourism and leisure attractions in Gloucester are are currently closed until further notice to ensure your safety.

You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).

You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.

You should not meet other people you do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.

Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.

You can exercise in a public outdoor place:

• by yourself
• with the people you live with
• with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
• in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
• or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household

Public outdoor places include:

• parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
• public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)
• the grounds of a heritage site 
• playgrounds

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Hotels and Accommodation

Most of Gloucester's hotels and accommodation providers are closed except for those housing key workers. Please check their websites for up to date details on opening and for information on changes due to COVID-19. 

Indoor locations to open up in Step 3 include indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas; the rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs

Do keep a look out for VisitEngland's 'We're Good To Go' and the AA's 'Covid Confident' marks.

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Shopping

You can leave home to buy essential items at shops or obtain services. You may also leave your home to do these things on behalf of a disabled or vulnerable person or someone self-isolating. You must not mix with anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble when you are indoors. 

No earlier than 12 April, will see the opening of non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres.

Wearing a mask - You must by law wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets. People who do not wear a face covering will face a fine of up to £100 and a shop can refuse them entry and can call the police if people refuse to comply.

For the latest information on openings and changes, please visit the individual business' or shopping centre's website.

Eastgate Shopping Centre

Gloucester Quays

King's Walk

Gloucester Farmer's Market at The Cross runs 9am - 3pm every Friday.

Public Toilets

The following toilets are open:

• Eastgate Shopping Centre | Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm | Sun 10.30am-4.30pm
• Gloucester Quays | Mon-Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 10am-5pm
• Gloucester Transport Hub | 7.30am-7.30pm
• Westgate Car Park* | 7am-7pm
• Gloucester Park | 8.30am-3.45pm

* Radar key may be needed for disabled access - available in store. Businesses have the right to refuse entry in exceptional circumstances

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Food and Drink

Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in Gloucester are now closed except for takeaway, delivery and click and collect services. 

You can find a list of businesses who offered takeaway and delivery during the last lockdown here. Please make sure to check the business’s website and social media channels for latest opening hours and procedures before visiting.

Wearing a mask - You must by law wear a face covering in takeaways. People who do not wear a face covering will face a fine of up to £100 and can be refused entry.

Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors at Step 2 (No earlier than April 12) and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Do keep a look out for VisitEngland's 'We're Good To Go' and the AA's 'Covid Confident' marks.

Parks and Open Spaces

From 29 March, when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will also be allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.

• by yourself
• with the people you live with
• with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
• in a childcare bubble where providing childcare
• or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household

Public outdoor places include:

• parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
• public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them)
• the grounds of a heritage site
• playgrounds

The majority of Gloucester’s parks including Alney Island Nature Reserve and Robinswood Hill Country Park are open to the public. 

See the list of all parks and open spaces.

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Travelling to Gloucester Safely 

If you need to travel you should stay local – meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live – and look to reduce the number of journeys you make overall.

Visit the government's website for safe travel guidance whether, you’re traveling by car, bike or public transport.

Wearing a mask - You must by law wear a face covering in stations. People who do not wear a face covering will face a fine of up to £100 and can be refused entry.

Parking - See the list of Gloucester City Council car parks.

Public Transport

Buses are running if you need them, however, government advice continues to be to only travel if your journey is necessary. 

You must wear a face covering on public transport in England. You will be breaking the law if you fail to do so and could be fined.

Stagecoach buses will have reduced capacity so that social distancing can be observed for your safety. Visit their COVID-19 webpage for advice on how to stay safe at the bus stop and on the bus.  

GWR Visit their COVID-19 webpage for advice on how to stay safe on trains and in stations.

Taxis

Customers in private hire vehicles and taxis must wear face coverings.

Key Information 

• Find the latest information on the official UK government website.   
• Check your plans before you travel and be aware that opening hours may vary or be flexible at this time.
• Please check directly with venues, businesses and attractions for up to date information.
• Find out what you need to do if you’re travelling to the UK from other countries.
• For travellers already in the UK and who need medical advice, use the 111 online coronavirus service to get further information.  

Below are the main points from the Prime Minister’s Statement to parliament on the Roadmap:

• There will be no Tier system - England will be treated as a single area.

• There will be four steps

• There will be at least 5 weeks between each step

Step one – from 8 March

• All schools to open

• Stay at home order remains in place

• People can meet one other person outside for recreation

From 29 March

• People will be able to meet outside including in private gardens, subject to the rule of six, or provided no more than two households are meeting.

• People will no longer be legally required to stay at home but should work from home if they can and try not to travel.

• Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts and open air swimming pools can reopen and formally organised sports can restart.

Step Two -  no earlier than 12th April

• Self-catering will open for individuals or household groups only.

• Non-essential retail will open.

• Pubs and restaurants will begin to open for outdoors service, without curfew, and no requirement for people to order a substantial meal.

• Zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas will open

Step Three - no earlier than 17 May

• Pubs and restaurants will open for indoor service

•  Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs will open

• Pubs and restaurants will open for indoor service

• Cinemas and theatres will open

• Most restrictions outdoors will be lifted, subject to a limit of 30 people

• International travel will not resume before 17 May

Step Four - no earlier than 21 June

• All limits on social contacts will be lifted

• Large events and performances and weddings will be able to go ahead

• Nightclubs will open

In Addition, there will be Four Reviews

• Looking at whether having a vaccine or a negative test result can reduce restrictions on social contact.

• Piloting the impact of testing and reduced social distancing on events.

• Looking at how to facilitate more inbound and outbound travel - to report back by 12 April

• Review social distancing measures, such as the one-metre-plus rule, rules on face coverings and working from home – to report back by 21 June.