Earliest date that families can have overnight visitors
One of the hardest parts of lockdown has been the separation from loved ones particularly for old people for whom seeing their sons, daughters and grandchildren is the highlight of their week.
Staying at grandma and grandad’s for the night is a treat little ones look forward to and their parents even more so as it gives them a chance to recharge their batteries after a busy week of working and childcare.
Under the current stay at home rules, this hasn’t been possible.
This state of affairs looks likely to continue until May 17, when indoor mixing will be possible between two households and up to six people.
A few weeks after that, on June 21, the government is aiming to remove all restrictions so that everyone, young and old, will be able to hug each other again.
In announcing these moves for England as part of a four-stage roadmap to removing the restrictions of lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that they were dependent on four key tests. These focus on the progress of the vaccination rollout, the efficacy of the vaccines, infection rates and the existence of new variants of the virus.
Mr Johnson urged people across the nation to be “prudent” in continuing to follow the rules.
He said that he was ‘very optimistic’ that all restrictions on social contact, businesses and events would be lifted by late June.
Based on the tests, the first easing around socialising will happen from March 8.
On this date – the same schools will reopen for all pupils – two people will be allowed to socialise outdoors.
That means friends will be able to meet outside for a coffee or bite to eat.
Then from March 29, outdoor gatherings of up to six people or two households will be permitted, including in private gardens.
Cinemas, indoor restaurants and hotels could reopen on May 17 and large crowds allowed at sports venues and performances.