Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason he has advised people to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres but not ordered their closure.

On 20 March the Prime Minister announced that cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants in the United Kingdom are to close as soon as they reasonably can and not to open again until the Government announces that it is safe to do so. Venues that provide food are still able to offer a take away service.

Nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres have also been told to close to the same timescale. The Government will review this situation each month until it is deemed safe to relax these measures.

On 23 March the Prime Minister reiterated the message for people to stay at home and continue social distancing. He also announced the closure of shops selling non-essential goods, libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship.

Stay at home guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

Guidance has also been published on social distancing for everyone in the United Kingdom and protecting older people and vulnerable persons. This guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people