ENGLAND’S ROAD MAP OUT OF LOCKDOWN
Here’s what you can do when, subject to the government’s four key tests: Success of the vaccine rollout, evidence of vaccine efficacy, an assessment of new variants and keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. MARCH 8
Pupils return to schools, while socialising in 8 parks and public spaces with one other person will be allowed.
Secondary school and college students will be tested for Covid-19 four times over the first two weeks of term and then be asked to carry out the rapid tests at home twice a week – although these will not be needed for primary school pupils. Secondary school pupils must also wear face coverings in classrooms wherever 2m social distancing is not possible. Breakfast and afterschool clubs, as well as school sports, can also restart. Up to 30 people can attend funerals and up to six people can attend weddings and wakes.
MARCH 29
Groups of up to six people – or two households – can gather in parks and gardens, along with outdoor parent and child groups including up to 15 parents. Tennis and basketball courts, open-air swimming pools and other outdoor sports facilities can also reopen, while formally organised outdoor sports should be able to resume. People will no longer be legally required to stay at home.
APRIL 12 at the earliest
Non-essential retail and services are allowed to reopen, including shops, gyms, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions such as zoos and outdoor hospitality venues, including drive-in cinemas, beer gardens and pubs’ outdoor areas. Pubs need no longer insist customers buy a substantial meal with alcohol – not even a Scotch egg. Staycations at holiday lets should also be given the go-ahead, as long as they do not involve different households sharing accommodation. And up to 15 people can now attend weddings and wakes.
MAY 17 at the earliest
Two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors, and up to 30 outdoors. Limited crowds of up to 1,000 people (or 50 per cent capacity) could be allowed at indoor events, a maximum 4,000 (or 50 per cent capacity) at outdoor events or up to 10,000 (or 25 per cent capacity) at outdoor seated events, all depending on the size of the venue. This is also the earliest possible date for approved foreign holidays. Indoor pubs and restaurants can reopen, along with cinemas, children’s play areas, hotels, hostels and B&Bs, theatres and concert halls.
JUNE 21 at the earliest
All remaining restrictions on social contact will potentially be lifted, including attendance limits on all ‘life events’ such as weddings, funerals and wakes. Larger sporting and arts events – including theatre performances – should go ahead and nightclubs will be allowed to reopen. Work from home guidance is also expected to end.