Boris Johnson Resumes Easing of England Lockdown With Fines for Breaches

  • Theaters, casinos and beauty parlors can open from Aug. 15
  • Fines for breaking rules to be increased to bolster compliance

A pedestrian passes a suit store offering closing down sale prices in London on Aug. 12.

Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson said England can resume the paused easing of lockdown rules, with theaters, casinos and beauty parlors allowed to reopen -- but warned there will be tougher penalties for people who break social-distancing restrictions.

The government is trying to balance its desire to restart the economy with the risk of sparking a new surge of coronavirus infections. Parts of northern England remain under tighter localized restrictions after outbreaks.