Full list of family days out allowed from Monday with government set to ease lockdown laws

The Prime Minister will update the nation on the easing of the restrictions today (June 10).

Under pressure from zoos warning they face an exponential threat, Mr Johnson will say at the Downing Street press conference they can reopen next week as long as they can uphold social-distancing rules.

He will also announce the easing of restrictions on outdoor attractions where people remain in their cars, such as safari parks and drive-in cinemas, because the risk of spreading the disease is lower outside.

The move will pave the way for zoos to reopen in England alongside non-essential shops, despite schools remaining shuttered to many pupils.

A Downing Street official said: "People are continuing to make huge sacrifices to reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid a second spike, but we know it is tough and where we can safely open up more attractions, and it is supported by the science, we will do so.

"This is by necessity a careful process, but we hope the reopening of safari parks and zoos will help provide families with more options to spend time outdoors while supporting the industry caring for these incredible animals."

The announcement will come after Yorkshire Wildife Park, along with other zoos including London Zoo, appealed to the Government to review its initial plan to not allow zoos to reopen on June 15.

On Monday (June 8) the zoo’s owners warned that it would not be able to sustain the costs of being closed for lockdown ‘forever’.

John Minion, Chief Executive of the park at Branton, near Doncaster, said the lockdown has cost the park around £5 million in lost revenue and is impacting its ability to carry out award-winning conservation projects.

In addition to this the monthly cost of looking after and feeding the animals and maintaining the park in lockdown is circa £300,000 per month.

“The safety and health of our animals, our staff team and our visitors is paramount.

“We have carried out detailed planning to look at how we can control numbers through advance ticket sales and time slots and how we needed to adapt the site and our protocols for visitor management and cleaning in line with Government guidance.

“Many zoos have now opened up in Europe, Ireland and in Jersey and we have been learning from their experiences,” he added.

Though the easing will be a relief, zoos will be told that they must not reopen indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses, and must ensure amenities including cafes are takeaway only.

Andrew Hall, spokesman for British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums, said: "Biaza is obviously delighted that zoos and safari parks have been given the flexibility to reopen.

"But as a sector, we are not out of the woods. Aquariums are still closed, and zoos and safari parks have taken a real hit. For some zoos, particularly those reliant on tourism, reopening isn't going to be financially viable for them.”