COVID-19 : What is the UK's Roadmap for Easing Lockdown?
Lockdown restrictions in England are gradually being eased, but what does the roadmap entail?
STAGE 1:Changing from 29th March
- People will be allowed to meet outside - including in private gardens - in groups of up to six, or as two households
- The stay-at-home rule has ended, although the government asks that people 'minimise travel', meaning that holidays are still not allowed
- Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses, tennis and basketball courts, and outdoor swimming
- Formally organised outdoor sports can resume
- Weddings can take place, attended by up to six people
STAGE 2: No earlier than 12th April
- All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors
- Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
STAGE 3: No earlier than 17th May
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children's play areas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- International leisure travel may resume
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
STAGE 4: No earlier than 21st June
- All legal limits on social contact will be removed
- No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
- Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen
What are the four tests for easing restrictions?
For the restrictions to be eased and follow this roadmap plan, the following four tests must be achieved:
- The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
- Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying or needing hospital treatment
- Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
- New coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions
