Roadmap out of lockdown

From 8 March, people in England will see restrictions start to lift and the government’s 4-step roadmap offer a route back to a more normal life.

For full details see GOV.UK guidance COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021.

Step 3

As part of Step 3, no earlier than 17 May, the government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.

This means that most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal. Indoors, the Rule of 6 or 2 households will apply – we will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.

As soon as possible and by no later than Step 3, the government will also update the advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging. But until this point, people should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble.

Most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen. In all sectors, COVID-Secure guidance will remain in place and businesses may not cater for groups bigger than the legal limits. Indoor hospitality will reopen – and as in Step 2, venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; nor will there be a curfew. Customers will, however, have to order, eat and drink while seated.

Other indoor locations to open up in Step 3 include indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas; the rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs; and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes. The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number). In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be 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. This limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.

Finally, before Step 4 begins, the government will complete a review of social distancing and other long-term measures that have been put in place to cut transmission. This will inform decisions on the timing and circumstances under which the rules on 1 metre plus, the wearing of face coverings and other measures may be lifted. This will also inform guidance on working from home – which should continue wherever possible until this review is complete.

Step 3: No earlier than 17 May

• At least 5 weeks after Step 2

Education

• As previous step

Social contact

• Maximum 30 people outdoors
• Rule of 6 or 2 households indoors (subject to review)

Business and activities

• Indoor hospitality
• Indoor entertainment and attractions
• Organised indoor sport (adult)
• Remaining accommodation
• Remaining outdoor entertainment (including performances)

Travel

• Domestic overnight stays
• International travel (subject to review)

Events

• Most significant life events (30)
• Indoor events: 1,000 or 50% (plus pilots)
• Outdoor seated events: 10,000 or 25% (plus pilots)
• Outdoor other events: 4,000 or 50% (plus pilots)

For support and more information visit: gov.uk/coronavirus.