The prime minister has set out a four step roadmap for lifting restrictions in England – which could see all measures lift by 21 June.
There will be a minimum of 5 weeks between each step, and the government has made clear dates could be delayed if data suggested it was necessary.
A series of reviews will also be launched – including one which will look at whether vaccine certification or testing could allow greater freedoms.
The Government believes the measures set out are the quickest way to open the economy without risking another lockdown. All the measures are intended to be irreversible.
MPs are expected to vote on the plan before the Easter recess.
The roadmap has the following steps:
Step One – two parts
All children and students will return to schools and colleges, along with wraparound care
People will be allowed to meet outdoors on a one-to-one basis for recreation, such as a picnic or coffee.
Care home residents will be allowed one regular named visitor
The stay at home order will remain in place.
Outdoor gatherings of six people or two households will be allowed, including meeting in private gardens
The stay at home order will end – but people will be urged to stay local
People will still be urged to work from home
Outdoor sports facilities – like tennis and basketball – will reopen
Outdoor organised sports will be allowed
Step Two – no earlier than 12 April
Reopening of non-essential retail, hairdressers, libraries and museums
Most OUTDOOR attractions, such as hospitality venues like beer gardens, zoos and theme parks (There will be no curfew on hospitality and no need to buy a substantial meal, but customers will have to be seated)
Indoor mixing between households will not be allowed – social contact rules will continue to apply
Gyms and swimming pools for individual or household use
Self-catering accommodation will reopen; campsites, holidays lets etc where facilities are not shared
Weddings and wakes will allow 15 people, up from 6
Step Three – no earlier than 17 May
Social contact rules outdoors are lifted – meaning people are no longer limited to the rule of six/two households. Gatherings of more than 30 people will still be illegal.
Indoors mixing will be allowed, subject to rule of six/two households
Indoor hospitality reopens, along with cinemas, children’s’ play areas, hotels, indoor sport and exercise classes
Performances resume;
Indoors: 1,000 people or half full, whichever is lower
Outdoors: 4,000 or half, whichever is lower
Large venues (40,000 capacity plus): Up to 10,000 will be allowed to attend
30 people will be allowed at weddings
Step Four – no earlier than 21 June
All legal limits are removed
Hope to reopen final parts of economy still closed, such as nightclubs and lift restrictions on large events
A decision will be made on removing limits at weddings
The government is also to launch a series of reviews to explore further ways of easing limits.
The first review will look at whether having had a vaccine or a negative test result can reduce restrictions on social contact.
A second review will be a pilot looking at the impact of testing and reduced social distancing on events.
A third will look at travel. International travel will not resume before 17 May, but a report on 12 April will look at how to facilitate more inbound and outbound travel.
A fourth will review social distancing measures, such as the one metre plus rule, rules on face coverings and working from home. This will conclude ahead of 21 June.
COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)