By Nathan Findlay –
As we know, the UK has been in and out of lockdown many times since March 2020. Once again, we’re approaching the next step in easing restrictions according to the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
The next set of restrictions easing will happen no earlier than May 17. Whether it goes ahead or not will depend on UK’s COVID-19 cases and vaccination rollout.
Restrictions to ease no earlier than the 17th of May:
Here’s what the next phases in the roadmap hold if all goes to plan:
- Two households or up to 6 people can mix indoors.
- You can stay overnight in somebody’s home.
- 30 people can mix outdoors.
- The rule of six will be applied in hospitality settings like pubs which will be able to open indoors services.
- Cinemas, hotels, performances and sporting events will reopen – with social distancing required.
- Indoor events of up to 1,000 or 50% capacity can take place.
- Outdoor events of up to 4,000 or 50% capacity can take place.
- Up to 10,000 spectators will be able to attend the very largest outdoor seated venues like football stadiums.
- Most significant life events like weddings, receptions, wakes and christenings will be allowed with up to 30 people.
- There will be no legal limit on the number of people at a funeral. Funeral venues will set limits based on their capacity.
This will be another big step for the UK if these restrictions do get lifted and, hopefully, it should start to help businesses out.
The government are classing this stage at Step 3, as it is the third time that restrictions will be lifted. The government also have step 4 ready, which is planned to be the final step for the UK before we are back to normal for the first time in well over a year.
No earlier than the 21st June
- There will be no remaining legal limits on social contact.
- Nightclubs will reopen.
- There will no legal limit on attendance at large events and life events.
This will finally mean that we will not have to social distance in pubs, clubs, shops etc. The fourth step is certainly going to be carefully thought about and not something that will happen on 21 June if the UK isn’t in a stable position to do so.