Hospitality businesses are predicting a further recovery in the sector after the change in ‘pingdemic’ rules from today.
From now, 16 August, people who have two had vaccination jabs no longer need to quarantine if they are pinged about being in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid but can take a test instead.
People who test positive will still be legally required to self-isolate.
This latest easing follows the lifting of nearly all Covid restrictions on 19 July on retail and hospitality venues with better trading than expected in July, according to reports today.
New West End Company, which monitors around 600 companies in London’s shopping and entertainment heartland told the Standard that footfall had been stable at around 50% and spend at around 65% of pre-Covid levels, which was ‘ahead’ of expectations.
Incentives for young to get jabbed
A number of businesses meanwhile today announced financial incentives for young people who have been vaccinated in a move to help boost vaccine uptake.
Asda, National Express, Uber and Deliveroo were among a number of companies offering discounts to the young.
Asda will offer £10 vouchers for their clothing brand George to vaccinated 18-year-olds who spend over £20.
Travel company lastminute.com will offer £30 gift cards on holidays abroad for people getting vaccinated, while Deliveroo is offering £5 vouchers for those who get jabbed.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "It is fantastic to see more companies backing the phenomenal vaccine rollout and joining the public as they do everything they can to continue protecting their loved ones, themselves, their community and this country."
Almost 77% of the UK population has been fully vaccinated according to the latest official statistics, while on Sunday the government announced that all 16-17 olds will be offered a vaccine by 23 August in time for September's return to school.
Shares in pub and restaurant groups eased lower on a tough day for markets due to economic worries about China and the events in Afghanistan.
Whitbread PLC (LSE:WTB) dipped 1.3% to 3,079p with Wetherspoon's similarly lower at 1,128p.