HAPPY MONDAY
■ Boris confirms friends and family can hug again on May 17 ■ Pubs to serve beer indoors too
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that lockdown restrictions in England will ease further from Monday, May 17.
During a Downing Street press conference yesterday, Boris Johnson has confirmed that England will enter “Stage 3” of the roadmap out of lockdown.
Mr Johnson revealed during the briefing that the country had met the four tests necessary for the further easing of restrictions and thanked the public for their efforts.
He said: “I want to thank you particularly because your efforts have so visibly paid off and so it’s precisely because of your efforts that I can confirm today that we’ve met our four tests for further easing the lockdown in England.”
What changes will come into force from May 17?
Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve customers indoors, although they will be limited to table service and social distancing rules must be followed.
Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, museums, theatres and concert halls will be allowed to reopen although there will be capacity limits on large events.
Outdoor venues such as football stadiums will also be allowed to welcome back fans, although much like indoor venues, there will be an attendance capacity in place.
People will be given the choice on to remain two metres from family or friends, meaning they can once again hug and shake hands.
But officials suggested people should consider getting tested for coronavirus before hugging and wear face masks or ensure a room is well ventilated before ditching social distancing measures.
The “stay in the UK” restriction will lift and people will be able to travel to “green list” countries, such as Portugal although they are still being advised not to go to destinations on the amber list.
From next Monday, secondary school pupils will no longer be told to wear face masks in class and communal areas.
Up to 30 people will be allowed at weddings, although dancing will still not be allowed and the cap on the number of mourners attending funerals will be lifted, in line with the safe capacity of the venue.