Further lockdown restrictions eased next week

The next stage of relaxing lockdown restrictions begins from Monday (29 March), with more restrictions due to be lifted next month, and then every five weeks going forward.

Part two of the first step of the government’s ‘roadmap’ will take effect on 29 March when the restrictions on organised outdoor sport will be relaxed.

From 29 March, outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed in public spaces and private gardens.

Outdoor sports including organised adult and children's sport will be allowed to resume, including the reopening of golf courses and tennis courts.

Meeting up inside another person's home is not yet permitted (except for support and childcare bubbles) - this will not be permitted until 17 May at the earliest.

People will no longer be legally required to stay at home but should work from home if they can and try not to travel. Minimise the number of journeys made where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people are still being advised to shield until the end of March.

 

 

Step-by-step plan to ease restrictions in England

Details of the future steps are as expected:

Step two - Non-essential retail including hairdressers, nail salons, gyms and swimming pools will be permitted to reopen. Pubs and restaurants will also be permitted to serve food and drink outdoors, with no requirement for substantial meals and no curfew. Libraries, community centres, zoos and theme parks may also reopen.
This step will be implemented no earlier than 12 April, subject to review.

Step three - Six people or two households will be permitted to meet indoors and most restrictions on meeting outdoors will be lifted. Pubs and restaurants will reopen indoors as well as cinemas, children's activity centres, hotels, theatres and sports stadiums.
This step will be implemented no earlier than 17 May, subject to review.

Step four - Aim to remove all legal limits on social contact including on weddings and other life events. Also this is where restrictions could be lifted on large events and performances, using testing to reduce the risk of infection.
This step will be implemented no earlier than 21 June, subject to review.