Lockdown map: What you Can and Can’t do from March 29
THE UK lockdown rules are set to change again next week as part of the Government’s roadmap.
On March 29, a number of restrictions will be eased.
The date marks the second part of step one of the route out of the coronavirus lockdown which has been in force since January.
The first part began on March 8 when children returned to school, care home residents were allowed a regular visitor and people were allowed to meet one other person to socialise outside. In good news for those missing their families and friends, the next step will allow us to have much more social contact.
The Government roadmap says: “From March 29 there is an opportunity for some further limited changes as part of Step 1, as most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays.
“By then, the lockdown will have been in place for 12 weeks, during which time people will have been unable to see their extended family and friends or spend much time outside the home. At this point, the Government will enable people to meet up in limited numbers outdoors, where they are less likely to catch the virus or pass it on.” The rules that will change on March 29 are:
Stay at Home order lifts
People will no longer be legally required to stay at home. Most restrictions will remain in place and people cannot meet indoors, stay overnight away from home (unless for a specified reason). People will still be advised to minimise travel where possible and guidance to work from home remains in place.
Return of the rule of six
People will be able to meet outside in groups up to a maximum of 6 people (the Rule of 6) or with one other household, though people from different households will still need to socially distance from each other.
This includes private gardens. Those who are already in a support bubble will count as one household.
Outdoor sports
Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, and swimming pools, will reopen and can be used by people in line with the wider social contact limits.
Formally organised outdoor sports – for adults and under 18s - can also restart and will not be subject to the gatherings limits, but should be compliant with guidance issued by national governing bodies.
Children’s activities
All children will be able to access any outdoor childcare and supervised activities. Parent and child groups can also take place outdoors with a limit of 15 attendees (children under five years of age do not count towards the attendee limit.) Children will still only be able to attend indoor childcare or supervised activities where doing so will allow parents or carers to work, seek work, attend education, seek medical attention or attend a support group.
Weddings and funerals:
There will be no change to the current attendance limits for funerals (30 for services and six for wakes) and weddings (six). However, weddings will now be allowed to take place without exceptional circumstances.
What happens next?
Step two of the lockdown roadmap will not take place until April 12 at the earliest.
If it goes ahead as planned, it will be the most significant step in lockdown lifting with many businesses - including non-essential shops, hairdressers and outdoor attractions - allowed to reopen.
Pubs and restaurants will also be able to open as long as they serve meals and drinks outside.
People will also be able to stay overnight away from home as long as they travel with members of their own household or support bubble. There will still be no indoor social mixing allowed.