FROM Monday July 19, the Covid-19 lockdown will be fully lifted, putting an end to social distancing restrictions, the wearing of masks and event and business closures.

The Chapel Nightclub is one of the final parts of Salisbury’s nighttime economy to reopen.

The venue on Milford Street is currently being used for events like theatre and live entertainment, as well as part of the building being connected to the new Brown Street courtyard area, but the nightclub use is yet to return.

The Chapel’s Amanda Newbery said: “We hear from Government that an exit wave is inevitable during this final unlock, but we will do what we can to protect our staff, our customers and ultimately, our local NHS staff.

“We will be looking at the recommendation for vaccine passports and will make a careful judgement in the coming days and weeks about how we begin to open our doors to customers.

“We have been operating at less than 10 per cent of our 1,200 capacity venue and we feel grateful that we are able to operate in such big, well ventilated spaces – and in our new Brown Street garden where we know everyone is at their safest.”

Salisbury Journal: Brown Street opening nightBrown Street opening night

Despite the Prime Minister giving Step 4 of the lockdown roadmap the green light, Wiltshire Council is asking people to continue to be cautious and still do what they can to keep each other safe.

Kate Blackburn, Wiltshire’s director of public health, said: “This will be the news many people have been waiting for, after 16 months of living our lives in a very different and restricted way. Living a more normal life will be really positive for the wellbeing of so many.

"However, we all need to remember that Covid-19 is still here and will remain part of our lives, and we all have a responsibility to continue doing everything we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, including receiving the vaccine when offered and following the guidance that’s in place.”

Alongside the council, Kate is encouraging the wearing of face masks in enclosed and crowded spaces.

She added: “It’s clear that the successful vaccination programme is mitigating the impact of Covid-19 and is allowing us to live more of a normal and enjoyable life.

"However, I’d urge that people still have Covid-19 in their minds, and they should make their own individual informed judgements on how to continue to live their lives during the pandemic based on their own circumstances.

"As the Government has said, we should still be limiting the amount of contact we have with those we don’t live with and this next step should be gradual."

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