COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed in England, despite concerns over the rapid spread of the COVID-19 variant first discovered in India.
From today, people in England will be able to do the following:
- Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
- Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas, outdoor theatres and outdoor cinemas can reopen.. Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will apply – although we will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.
- Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen.
- Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) will also be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
- In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).
- Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings. Other life events that will be permitted include bar mitzvahs and christenings.
One of the biggest changes is indoor hospitality being given the green light again. Many hospitality businesses have struggled since reopening in April, with the cold start to Spring to blame, leading a number of people to stay away.
