England has now moved into step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown.
It’s been a little over a month since England moved into step 2 of the roadmap outlined by Boris Johnson on February 22. Since April 12, the nation has enjoyed the return of outdoor dining and drinking, albeit while fending off some treacherous weather conditions at times.
And from today, as confirmed last week by Boris Johnson, you’ll be able to do a whole lot more! Here’s all you need to know about the lockdown measures easing from May 17.
Changes from May 17
Up to 30 people are able to meet outdoors. Larger groups are permitted to socialise outdoors as most of the social contact limits are relaxed for outdoor meetings.
Indoor dining can resume in pubs and restaurants. The Rule of Six now applies to indoor dining, with two households also allowed to meet indoors for a meal.
Cinemas, play areas, theatres, concert halls, hotels, hostels, BnBs, and sports stadiums (subject to capacity limit) can all open. Large sectors of the economy can return, and staycations can also return with hostels and hotels open once more. Meanwhile, West End shows and Hollywood releases could make a return.
We can see friends and family indoors, in groups of six or as two households. Some social limits remain on indoor socialising, but family and friends are now allowed to reunite indoors.
Adult sport and exercise classes can resume indoors. Saunas and steam rooms can also open.
Weddings, receptions can take place with up to 30 people. Cap also lifted on numbers at funerals, in line with how many people can safely be accommodated in venues.
Pilot of larger events with mass testing. Festivals could be one beneficiary of these pilot schemes, which is also likely to have an impact on sporting events and big concerts going forward.
Travel across England is now allowed with overnight stays. This also means schools are permitted to take trips across the country.
Pupils will no longer be required masks in school.
University classes across England will take place in person. Students will be asked to take a Covid test twice a week.
Registered visitors to care homes can increase. Five named visitors are now allowed.
Travelling abroad can return, but only to countries on the green list.
Hugging friends and family is now allowed.
Boris Johnson has urged the public to continue to practice social distancing, continue to be tested and open windows when socialising indoors to let fresh air in. He also confirmed that England is on track to meet this next step in the roadmap.
Next stop, June 21 🤞.