More freedoms on the table next week
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson is to confirm tomorrow that there will be more major reductions to the lockdown in around a week.
The changes come into effect on Monday May 17. He’s promised to give a week’s notice before easing the lockdown, which means he’ll make a statement on May 10.
What’s going to happen? The big change is that you’ll be able to meet people indoors again, whether that means having friends or family over for dinner, or sitting indoors at a pub or restaurant.
At the moment, you’re not supposed to be indoors with anyone from a different household (with a few exceptions, such as people who have formed a “bubble”).
The “rule of six” will apply. That means a maximum of six people should get together, if they come from a number of different households. More than six people are allowed if they only come from two different households.
And the Government may announce that you’re allowed to hug people again. But this remains to be seen. It’s possible Boris will say you’re allowed to visit friends or family in their home, for the first time in months, but you have to keep two metres away.
Either way, the changes will be welcomed by people who want to socialise without sitting outside, and by businesses such as pubs or restaurants.
In other changes, venues that cater to large groups of people will be allowed to re-open, including cinemas and children’s play areas.
And up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals.
Strictly speaking, Mr Johnson has never promised that these changes will come into effect on May 17. He’s said they might happen, depending on data such as the infection rate and the success of the vaccination programme.
This is why Monday’s announcement is important. That’s when he will confirm that lockdown easing is going ahead.
But we know that the figures are looking pretty good, and that so far the Government has said it sees no reason not to stick to the dates in its roadmap.
It comes after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed on Friday that it will be possible to book a summer holiday, albeit to a limited number of destinations.
From the Government’s perspective, Monday’s announcement will be the perfect lead-in to the Queen’s Speech, on Tuesday May 11, when it sets out plans for the year ahead.
Covid won’t go away, and there will be a further round of “booster” vaccinations towards the end of the year.
But Mr Johnson hopes to start setting out a vision for life once the health crisis is, if not over, then firmly under control.
One of his big themes will be “levelling up”. That’s the phrase he uses to refer to investing in the North and Midlands. They used to call it closing the North-south divide.
We can expect to see more cash for rail and roads, and more powers for regional mayors.