Covid: What's the roadmap for lifting lockdown?
- Published
Outbreaks of the Indian variant could delay England's next stage of lifting lockdown.
Step four of the government's roadmap is due no earlier than 21 June.
What restrictions could be lifted on 21 June?
The final stage of lifting lockdown would see all legal limits on social contact removed.
However, this depends on Covid conditions being safe - including infection rates and the spread of variants of concern. A research programme into using testing and other ways to cut the risk of infection at events - and reviews of social distancing measures - must also be completed.
If stage four is approved, nightclubs could reopen and restrictions on performances would be lifted. Restrictions on weddings and other life events would also be lifted.
"I don't see anything currently in the data to suggest we have to deviate from the roadmap but we may need to wait," Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said.
Some health experts believe the 21 June date should be delayed.
"If we can just delay international travel, delay stage four of the roadmap until we have a much higher proportion of people vaccinated with two doses, we're in a much, much better position," said Prof Christina Pagel, from University College London.
A final decision will be reached on 14 June.
Can I travel to areas with the Indian variant?
The government has updated new guidance it issued for people in eight areas: Kirklees, Bedford, Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, Burnley, Leicester, Hounslow and North Tyneside.
The amended advice says that "wherever possible, you should try to":
- meet friends and family outside rather than inside
- keep 2m (6ft) apart from people you don't live with (unless in a support bubble with them)
- minimise travel in and out of the affected areas
An earlier version had said people should "avoid" non-essential travel into the areas, which led to confusion about the status of the guidance. Some people cancelled holidays as a result.
However the government later clarified the position, to "make it clearer we are not imposing local restrictions" in the eight areas.
"Instead, we are providing advice on the additional precautions people can take to protect themselves and others in those areas where the new variant is prevalent," a spokesperson said.
The updated advice says people in these areas should also:
How has lockdown changed in England?
Rules have been relaxed, under the the move to step three of the government's roadmap.
Meeting up
Social distancing guidance has also changed. Contact with close family and friends is described as a matter of personal judgement, but people are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging.
Leisure and entertainment
Education
- Face coverings no longer recommended for pupils in secondary schools
- All remaining university students eligible to return to in-person teaching
Travel
How has lockdown changed in Scotland?
Mainland Scotland is now under level two restrictions, with the exception of Glasgow, where infection rates remain high.
Family and friends:
- Up to six people from no more than three households can socialise indoors in a private home
- You do not need to physically distance from family and friends in a private home
- Up to six people from three households can meet in an indoor public place (such as a bar)
- Up to eight people from eight households can meet anywhere outdoors
- Children under the age of 12 are not included in the total number of people - but they are counted in the limit on the number of different households
Leisure:
Scottish islands - apart from Skye - have moved to level one restrictions. It's hoped the rest of Scotland will follow on 7 June.
Under these:
- Up to eight people from three households to socialise indoors in a public place
- A maximum of 12 people from 12 households to socialise outdoors
- Hospitality can remain open until 23:00
- A maximum of 100 people at weddings, funerals and other life events
The city of Glasgow remains under level three restrictions:
- Only essential travel is allowed in and out of these areas
- Cafes, pubs and restaurants can open indoors until 20:00 each day for groups of up to six people from two households - no alcohol can be served
- Non-essential informal childcare can operate
- Non-essential work can take place inside people's homes
- Up to 50 people can attend funerals and wakes
How has lockdown changed in Wales?
Indoor socialising in private homes is still restricted to extended households, where two households can mix with each other (and no one else).
The government says that if conditions remain positive, its next review will consider:
- Further changes to meeting people in private homes
- Increasing the number of people who can meet outdoors
- Increasing the numbers allowed at organised activities and events
- Permitting larger-scale events to take place indoors and outdoors
What lockdown rules have been eased in Northern Ireland?
Meeting up:
- Up to six people from two households can meet in private homes (children under 12 not counted towards total) - overnight stays allowed
- Wedding receptions and post-funeral events are allowed
Leisure and entertainment
- Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants can open indoors
- Maximum of six customers per table from up to six households, or up to 10 people all from the same household
- Libraries and museums allowed to reopen
- Indoor sports training allowed to resume for sports squads
- Up to 500 spectators can attend outdoor sport events
Education:
- Increased face-to-face learning for students and apprentices in higher and further education.
- Schools can play sports fixtures against each other
- All Sure Start services to resume
- Community events such as indoor mother-and-toddler groups can resume
Travel:
What can you do already across the UK?
There are some things you can do anywhere - although exact rules may differ between nations:
Clarification: An earlier version of this piece said that exercise was only allowed once a day. However, while government guidance said this was what people should do, it did not make exercising more than once against the law.