We’re on the road to ending lockdown ... but there is still a long way to go
STEP ONE HAS BEGUN AND HERE IS WHAT COMES NEXT
THE end to lockdown has begun but there is still a long way to go. Yesterday, marked the first phase in step one of Boris Johnson’s roadmap to lead the nation back towards normality.
People are now able to meet up with one other person from another household for a coffee or a picnic in the park.
People can visit loved ones in care homes and children stepped out the front door this morning to head back to school.
There are four key dates ahead to look forward to but there are no promises these will not be pushed back should virus rates rise during the easing of lockdown.
Here are the key dates to look out for and what will change in the coming months:
March 29 – Step 1 Part 2:
Outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed, providing greater flexibility for families to see each other. This includes in private gardens. Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts, will be allowed to reopen, and people can take t part in formally organised outdoor o sports.
■ At this point, the Stay at Home order will end, although many lockdown restrictions will r remain.
■ For example, you should continue t to work from home where possible, a and overseas travel remains banned, aside for a small number of reasons.
April 12 – Step 2:
■ Non-essential retail, personal care premises, such as hairdressers and nail salons, and public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, will reopen.
■ Most outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, and theme parks, will also reopen although wider social contact rules will apply in these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households. Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted.
Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen - but only for use by people on their own or with their household.
Hospitality venues can serve people outdoors only. There will be
no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew - although customers must order, eat and drink while seated. Self-contained accommodation, such as holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen. Funerals can continue with up to 30 people, and the numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15 (from 6).
May 17 – Step 3:
Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted - although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas, outdoor theatres
Schools reopened yesterday
and outdoor cinemas can reopen.. reopen Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will apply - although we will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.
Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen.
Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full
Pubs and bars will reopen on April 12 but under tight restrictions and rules (whichever is lower) will also be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).
Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. Other life events that will be permitted include bar barmitzvahs mitzvahs and christenchristen ings.
June 21 – Step 4:
It is hoped all legal limits on social contact can be removed.
The Government hopes to reopen nightclubs, and lift restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3.
This will also guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.