Here's what you can do from today with easing of lockdown restrictions

Non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers and beauty salons can reopen from today (Monday 12 April), as the next stage of relaxing lockdown restrictions begins.

Pubs and restaurants in the Rochdale borough have been closed since Friday 23 October. Now, after nearly six months of closure, hospitality venues can open for outdoor service, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol, and no curfew.

It is 14 weeks since non-essential shops, hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons and indoor leisure facilities (such as swimming pools and gyms) were closed on 31 December 2020, when Greater Manchester was placed under Tier 4 restrictions.

From today, wakes, weddings and receptions can now include up to 15 people, while domestic overnight stays (household) and self-contained accommodation can open, though these must only be used by members of the same household or support bubble.

International holidays are still illegal.

The number of visitors permitted to visit care home residents increases to two per resident from today, and all children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity.

However, there are no changes to the social contact rules (brought in on 29 March) and many restrictions are still in place. Working from home where possible is still encouraged.

Outdoor gatherings are still limited to six people or two households and meeting up indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with is not yet permitted - this will not be permitted until 17 May at the earliest.

 

 

Each step along the roadmap is subject to a number of factors being met in order for the easings to take place, including keeping the infection rates below a level that could put pressure on the NHS.

Greater Manchester Police is urging people to follow regulations to stop the spread of the virus.

Superintendent Chris Hill said: "This is a huge step forward for everyone and has been a long-time coming. It will be really rewarding to finally get back to some semblance of normality after spending so long in lockdown. It has been a frustrating time for everyone but we are now at a point where we can finally start to socialise more and start to enjoy time with our loved ones again.

"However, I must remind people that there are still certain regulations in place so please enjoy yourself in a safe way that limits the spread of the virus which is still out there. The vaccine rollout has been hugely successful but there are still many people who haven't been offered it yet and could still suffer detrimentally if they contract the virus. Please think of others as well as your own safety.

"I hope everyone enjoys the benefits after working so hard to limit the spread of the virus. If we continue to do our bit in following the regulations it won't be long before we're completely out of lockdown.”

 

 

Full lists of businesses and venues permitted to reopen on 12 April

Outdoor areas at hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, including in member’s clubs) can reopen, including for takeaway alcohol. These venues may allow customers to use toilets located inside. At any premises serving alcohol, customers will be required to order, be served and eat/drink while seated.

Non-essential retail including:

• clothing stores and tailors
• charity and antique shops
• homeware and carpet stores
• showrooms (such as for vehicles as well as kitchens and bathrooms)
• electronic goods and mobile phone shops
• florists
• travel agents
• tobacco and vape stores
• betting shops (subject to additional Covid-secure measures, such as limiting the use of gaming machines)
• car washes

Personal care facilities and close contact services including:

• hair, beauty and nail salons
• body and skin piercing services
• tattoo studios
• spas and massage centres (except for steam rooms and saunas)
• holistic therapy (including acupuncture, homeopathy, and reflexology)
• tanning salons

Indoor sports and leisure facilities including:

• gyms and leisure centres
• sports courts
• swimming pools
• dance studios and fitness centres
• driving and shooting ranges
• riding arenas
• archery venues
• climbing wall centres

Step-by-step plan to ease restrictions in England

Details of the future steps are as expected:

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.