England is set to move to the next stage of the lockdown roadmap in two weeks time (17th May), with COVID-19 infection rates across the vast majority of the United Kingdom continuing to fall despite sectors such as education and outdoor hospitality now being open for several weeks.
Step 3, no earlier than 17 May:
- 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, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. Other life events that will be permitted include bar mitzvahs and christenings.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock have both indicated over recent days that they believe that we remain on course to meet the measures put in place in order to further release lockdown, with infection, hospitalisations and deaths all continuing to trend downwards and the vaccination programme going from strength to strength.
You can view more details on the roadmap out of lockdown in England by visiting – Prime Minister sets out roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
