With staycations on everyone’s mind this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, campsites and holiday parks in England are poised to re-open in July, albeit with reduced capacity to facilitate social distancing.
The UK government plans to permit accommodation providers to reopen from July 4, under its “Plan to Rebuild” programme. This is dependent on particular criteria being met in relation to the country’s health service, infection and death rates, testing and PPE. Therefore, there must be confidence that the easing of measures won’t contribute to a second wave of the virus. On that basis, campsites in some parts of England may open later than others.
“It is absolutely a biological truism that outdoor environments are much less risky than indoor environments,” stated the country’s deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, when asked if campsites might be permitted to re-open sooner than other forms of holiday accommodation. “Of course that will need some careful thinking about, because sharing a tent can be a small enclosed space with generally poor conditions of ventilation. Consequently, it depends on who you are sharing it with. This applies to caravans as well, so it is not as straightforward as it might sound.”
At present, holiday accommodation in Wales is due to remain closed until 26 September, subject to review. Moreover, Scotland and Northern Ireland have indicated that they may adjust restrictions at different times. Either way, hopefully, people can enjoy camping in the fresh air again, sooner rather than later.
