Explainers

What’s the roadmap for lifting lockdown?

Rosie Hedges 347 Views ,  , 
After what feels like forever being in lockdown, the end is finally near. Here is the UK’s official roadmap for lifting lockdown.

It is extremely exciting that sooner rather than later more restrictions are to be lifted and we can all start having fun again.

The prime minister is hoping to lift the majority of rules on 21 June, depending on the cases and deaths. England is to be treated as one in the easing of lockdown with no regional tier systems being in place.

Step one occurred in March, which included schools reopening and groups of six people being allowed to meet outdoors.

Step two came into place on 12 April. Non-essential shops, gyms, nail salons, hairdressers, and outdoor attractions reopened. Bars and restaurants were also permitted to serve people outside and accommodate to the “rule of six”.

Photo credit: Pexels

Step three – 17 May:

    • Indoor gatherings of up to two households will be allowed
    • Outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people will be allowed
    • Indoor hospitality including pubs, restaurants, cinemas, museums, galleries, hotels etc will be reopened
    • Indoor events with a capacity of 1,000 people will be permitted
    • Outdoor events with a maximum capacity of 4,000 people will be allowed
    • Bigger sports stadiums will be allowed up to 10,000 people
    • Testing will be utilised to support these openings
    • Weddings, funerals and christenings will be allowed with 30 guests
    • University campuses to be reopened, with home testing kits provided
    • Social distancing between family and friends such as hugging will be updated no later than 17 May

Step four – 21 June:

  • No legal limits on social contact
  • UK Government hopes to reopen clubs and festivals
  • Testing to be used as a condition of entry
  • No restrictions on weddings

Yet to be decided

Here are the rules that have still not been fully decided and that will be reviewed closer to the time.

  1. Face masks, one metre rule and working from home: the prime minister hopes to review this before step four
  2. Whether you need to show proof of having the vaccine to get into mass events
  3. International travel: this will not resume before 17 May
  4. Major events: UK government have stated that testing could be used to allow people into large events such as festivals