I am delighted that the Prime minister has outlined a clear plan as to how we will come out of lockdown for good. He has described it as his ‘one way road to freedom’. The approach is a cautious one to ensure that we do not have to impose further restrictions, our economy can reopen and business can at last get going without further interruption. The fact that we can finally see the end game is thanks to the fantastic vaccine programme and the tremendous effort of everyone involved.
There will be five weeks between each stage and decisions will be led by data rather than dates so are subject to four tests.
The tests are:
- The Vaccine programme continues to go to plan
- Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people from dying or needing hospital treatment
- Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
- New coronavirus variants do not risk the lifting of restrictions
Step One (part one) - 8th March
- Schools and colleges reopen for all years
- Universities can return for practical courses (with a review for all other students at the end of the Easter holidays)
- Outdoor recreation allowed with one person from another household, eg coffee or picnic in parks
- One nominated person to visit care home with PPE, a lateral flow test and minimum physical contact
- Weddings with up to 6 people
- Stay at home law still in place
Step one (part two) - 29th March
- Stay at home law lifted
- Outdoor socialising allowed for six people or two households
- Outdoor sports resume, including tennis and outdoor swimming pools
- Organised outdoor sports
- Parents and children groups up to 15
Step three – 12th April
- Non-essential retail and personal care (including hairdressers) reopen
- Gyms and spas reopen
- Outdoor hospitality, including alcohol and attractions reopen
- Overnight stays and UK self-catered holidays allowed for one household
- Indoor play activities with up to 15 adults
- Zoos, theme parks and community centres reopen
- Funerals with up to 30 people and weddings with up to 15 people
Step three- 17th May
- ‘Rule of six’ lifted for outdoor socialising up to 30 people
- Indoor socialising and hospitality allowed with ‘rule of six’ or two-household rule
- Weddings allowed with up to 30 people
- Some outdoor events allowed eg outdoor theatres and cinemas
- Museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas reopen
- Performance and large events subject to limits
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs open to household groups
- International travel to resume no earlier than this date
- Adult indoor group sports and exercises classes to reopen
Step four – 21st June
- All limits on social contact removed
- No legal limits on numbers who can attend weddings, funerals and other live events.
- Nightclubs reopen
For more detail on exactly what each step means https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021
