GYMS, recreational facilities, swimming pools and beauty salons have been given the green light to reopen to the public in the next couple of weeks.

Culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, announced that indoor gyms, indoor swimming pools and other sports facilities can reopen from Saturday 25 July with measures in place.

These revisions include limiting numbers of people on site, reducing class sizes and spacing out equipment. Masks will not be mandatory for gym users.

Outdoor pools, local sports activities and outdoor theatres will also be able to restart from this Saturday.

Close contact services such as tattoo studios, beauty salons and spas will be permitted to reopen on Monday July 13, subject to restrictions on high-risk services.

Mr Dowden said: "From Saturday 25 July people will no longer have to work out in the their park or on their living room floor.

"We will be giving gyms the certainty, clarity and time they need to reopen safely, so the maximum number can open their doors in just two weeks' time.

"The facilities will have to take measures to protect their communities, including using time booking systems, reduced class sizes, equipment (being) spaced out and enhanced cleaning throughout.

"The return of gyms and recreational sports is a vital part of our battle against coronavirus — we need to get the nation 'match fit' to beat this disease."