Step by Step: How England’s Covid lockdown will be lifted.

Feb 22, 2021 | Covid-19, News, Reopening

Steps will be reviewed within 5 week gaps with four tests having to be met on vaccines, infection rates and coronavirus variants to enable a move to the next step. At least 1 week notice will be given before moving to the next step.

STEP 1

  • 8 March – all schools reopen with outdoor after school sports and activities allowed. Recreation in an outdoor public space – ie parks will be allowed between 2 people (picnics, sitting for coffee etc) 
  • From 29 March – outdoor gatherings of either 2 households or six people will be allowed (including in private gardens.)
  • Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts will reopen and organised adult and children’s sport, such as grassroots football will return
  • People will no longer be legally required to stay at home – but people should continue to work from home where they can and minimise all non-essential travel

STEP 2

No earlier than 12 April with an announce at least 7 days in advance – providing the four tests on vaccines, infection rates and coronavirus varients are met:

  • Non-essential retail, hairdressers, nail salons can reopen o Public buildings (libraries, museums)
  • Outdoor settings like alchohol takeaways, beer gardens, zoos and theme parks can reopen
  • Outdoor pubs and restaurant spaces can reopen with no curfew and no need for a substantial meal to purchase alcohol
  • Indoor leisure (pools and gyms) can reopen
  • Self-contained holiday accommodation, self-catering and camp sites can reopen
  • Wider social contact rules would continue to apply in all settings – meaning no indoor mixing between different households

STEP 3

No earlier than 17 May:

  • Most restrictions on number of people meeting outdoors will be lifted subject to number of 30 people
  • Can meet indoors with no more than 6 people or 2 households
  • Pubs and restaurants can reopen indoors
  • Cinemas, hotels, hostels, children’s play areas, B&Bs, theatres, concert halls and sports stadiums will be able to reopen (some dependant on capacity numbers)
  • Piloting large events with enhanced testing

    STEP 4

    No earlier than 21 June:

     

    • Aim to remove all legal limits on social contacts
    • Open everything up to and including night clubs

      Guidance on social distancing and wearing of face masks will continue to be reviewed

      A second review will be undertaken on international travel – with guidance by 21 April to enable people to plan for travel

      A further review will take place for the safe return of major events