LIVE GIGS OK TO RETURN IN AUGUST

Indoor performances with live audiences will restart 8/1 in the U.K. as the country is set to further relax coronavirus-related restrictions. Social distancing measures may be lifted in November.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined a number of measures that aim to gradually return England to some semblance of normality. All events that take place will be done in a "COVID-secure way," said Johnson, who didn't expand on the details of what that might involve.

The news on venues follows a statement from culture secretary Oliver Dowden last week, who said that outdoor concert venues and theaters could reopen last weekend.

Johnson has also asked employers to discuss with workers whether it's safe to return to work beginning in August. Plans remain conditional and may be reversed if there are further outbreaks or if pilot schemes result in increased infection rates.

This week, a number of prominent venues in Manchester — Gorilla and Deaf Institute — have announced permanent closures after experiencing financial challenges due to the lockdown measures in recent months.