On Monday 22nd February the Prime Minister announced a new four-step roadmap for cautiously easing lockdown restrictions. Reopening will commence from the 8th March with each subsequent step on the roadmap outlined further below.
Before proceeding to each step, the Government will examine the data to assess the impacts of the previous stages. These assessments include:
Is the vaccine deployment programme continuing successfully?
Is there evidence to show that the vaccines are sufficiently reducing hospitalisations and deaths?
Are infection rates surging?
Are new variants of concern increasing the risks?
Each new step will only be taken if the data indicates that it is safe to do so. The aim is to have a return to a normal way of life by Monday 21st June at the earliest.
Step One - March
8th March
Stay at Home restrictions still apply.
Schools and colleges are reopened.
Recreation or exercise outdoors with household or one other person (no household mixing indoors).
Wraparound childcare.
Up to 30 people can attend funerals and up to 6 can attend wakes and weddings.
29th March
Rule of 6 or two households outdoors (no household mixing indoors).
Outdoor sport and leisure facilities can reopen.
Organised outdoor sport allowed.
Outdoor parent and child groups allowed (up to 15 parents).
Step Two - 12th April
Rule of 6 or two households outdoors (no household mixing indoors).
Continue to work from home if possible.
The following can reopen:
Indoor leisure facilities for use by individuals or household groups.
Outdoor attractions such as theme parks.
Personal care premises such as hairdressers.
Non-essential retail.
Outdoor hospitality (no curfews or substantial meals required, table service remains).
Public buildings such as libraries and community centres.
Overnight stays away from home will be permitted and self contained accommodation can reopen (one household).
Up to 30 people can attend funerals and up to 15 can attend wakes, weddings and receptions.
Event piloting will begin.
Step Three - 17th May
30 person limit outdoors and rule of 6 or two households indoors.
Continue to work from home if possible.
The following can reopen:
Indoor hospitality (no curfews or substantial meals required, table service remains).
Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres, cinemas and children's play areas.
Indoor entertainment and attractions such as cinemas and museums.
Remaining accommodation such as hotels and B&Bs.
Indoor group sports and exercise classes.
Up to 30 people can most significant life events such as funerals and weddings.
Some large events can begin with restrictions e.g. 50% capacity limits.
International travel possibly allowed (subject to review).
Step Four - 21st June
No legal limits on social contact.
Nightclubs can reopen.
Larger events can take place without capacity restrictions.
No legal limits on all life events.
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