The Government’s COVID-19 lockdown roadmap is on track so far, with Step 2 implemented as planned on 12th April. Step 3, which will be no earlier than Monday 17th May, will hopefully see a raft of restrictions being lifted, taking us another stage towards getting back to normal.
Here’s a rundown of the expected changes:
Social contact
The Government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.
This means that most restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will still be illegal. Indoors, the “Rule of 6” or 2 households will apply. This will be kept under review until it’s safe to increase this.
There’ll also be updated advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging. But until this point, you should continue to keep your distance from anyone not in your household or support bubble.
Business and activities
Most businesses will be able to reopen in all but the highest risk sectors. COVID-Secure guidance will remain in place and businesses may not cater for groups bigger than the legal limits.
Indoor hospitality will reopen, with no need to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew. However, customers must still order, eat and drink whilst seated.
Other indoor locations to open up will include indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas; the rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs; and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.
The Government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number).
In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).
Events
Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. This limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.
Review of social distancing
Before Step 4 begins (no earlier than Monday 21st June), the Government will complete a review of social distancing and other long-term measures that have been put in place to cut transmission.
10This will inform decisions on the timing and circumstances under which the rules on “1 metre plus”, the wearing of face coverings and other measures may be lifted. This will also inform guidance on working from home, which should continue wherever possible until this review is complete.
For the latest information on the lockdown roadmap, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus.