Roadmap for ending restrictions announced

The announcement from the Prime Minister on Monday 22 February has mapped out the key dates and events as part of the cautious easing of lockdown restrictions.

The four-stage process will begin on the 08 March with the reopening of schools and colleges, and will run through to 21 June, when all legal limits are set to be removed on mixing:

Step One – Monday 08 March

  • All pupils and college students return fully. Before and after school clubs will be open
  • You can meet one other person outside for a coffee or picnic. Children WILL count towards the total number
  • Care home residents can receive one visitor

Step One (Continued) – Monday 29 March

  • Outdoor gatherings of up to six people, or two households are allowed in parks and/or gardens
  • Outdoor sport will be allowed
  • The stay at home order will end, with people encouraged to stay local

Step Two – Monday 12 April

  • Reopening of non-essential retail, hair and nail salons, and public buildings
  • Most outdoor venues open, including pubs and restaurants -outdoor tables and beer gardens only
  • Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and pools also open but can ONLY visit alone or with own household

Step Three – Monday 17 May

  • Limit on mixing outdoors increased to 30 people meeting in parks or gardens
  • Indoor mixing will be allowed, up to six people or, if it is more people, two households
  • Indoor venues, including pubs and restaurants, cinemas and group exercise classes will reopen
  • International holidays could resume subject to a review
  • Weddings will be allowed a limit of 30 people, with other events such as christenings also permitted

Step Four – Monday 21 June

  • All legal limits removed on mixing. Large events can take place and the last closed businesses can reopen
  • Potential changes to social distancing measures subject to review

There will be a minimum of five weeks between each stage. Data will be collected and assessed over the four weeks, with an extra week built in for businesses that are due to reopen given time to prepare.

You can find full details on the Government website.

The Government’s current advice is to stay at home until these changes come into force.

24 February 2021