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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Saffron Otter

UK holiday warning as guidance sets out rules for staycations in local lockdown areas

There’s been a rise in staycations this summer as some Brits remain uneasy about heading abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With a late spell of warm weather in September, you may be thinking about booking a last-minute staycation in the UK or are already looking forward to a trip away from home.

But as ministers consider tougher new restrictions with a possible second UK lockdown looming and further local lockdowns to be imposed, then there's potential for the UK tourism industry to fall flat

.

Those with caravan, camping and holiday park bookings could be concerned as to whether they need to cancel them.

And with London Mayor Sadiq Khan stating additional measures are 'likely' for the capital, those with hotel bookings may also be worried.

However the government has set out guidance for holidaying in local lockdown areas and has given advice on whether you need to cut a holiday short if a local lockdown is imposed whilst in the area.

Local lockdowns are currently in force across parts of the north of England and in Leicester - where you must not meet with people you do not live with in private homes or in gardens, among other measures.

The government guidance states that if you're staying in an area with tighter restrictions, you can only stay in a private home - which includes self-catered accommodation such as holiday cottages, apartments or boats - with members of your own household or support bubble.

You can only stay in a private home with your household (Shared Content Unit)

You can stay in a hotel or similar accommodation (for example, a hostel or bed and breakfast) with another household, but should avoid sharing rooms with people you do not live with or otherwise socialising indoors, for example in each other's rooms, in reception areas, or in restaurants and bars.

They also warn against sharing a caravan with another household and state that you shouldn't share private vehicles to travel to your holiday destination.

Whilst on holiday, Britons are urged to follow the regulations of the area they are visiting.

"At the time that local restrictions are brought in, if you are currently on holiday with another household in an area with local restrictions and are staying in a private home - which includes self-catered accommodation such as holiday cottages, apartments or boats - and it is not reasonable for you to curtail your stay, you should finish your holiday as planned," the guidance states.

"Until the end of this holiday you should make every effort to reduce socialising indoors outside of your household and follow local regulations and guidance."

If this isn't possible due to the local restrictions in place, then the government says they encourage accommodation providers to offer alternative dates.

They add: "If this cannot be arranged, we encourage businesses to provide a refund as they have for customers during the broader period of national restrictions, which may depend on the terms of the booking contract."

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