The Government has confirmed that the UK has met the four tests for further easing of lockdown in England, meaning that Step 3 of the Roadmap Out of Lockdown can go ahead as planned.
The tests to decide whether the time was right for restrictions to be eased earlier included: the continued success of the vaccine rollout; evidence that vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths; infections rates do not threated a surge in hospitalisations leading to unsustainable pressure on the NHS; and that new variants of Covid do not pose a serious risk.
The key changes as the UK moves on to Step three include:
- Rule of 6 or two households to apply indoors
- Limit of outdoor gatherings will increase to 30
- Sitting inside a pub or restaurant will be permitted
- Cinemas and other indoor attractions will be allowed to re-open
- A limited return to sports stadia and larger gatherings will be trialled
- People will be able to travel within the UK and stay overnight (observing the rule of 6 or two households)
- In schools, face coverings will no longer be required in the classroom – or communal areas for secondary schools and colleges
- University students will be able to return to in-person teaching – where they should be tested twice a week
- The number of named visitors for those in care homes will rise from 2 to five, and residents will have more freedom to leave their home without having to self-isolate on their return.
However, the Prime Minister has warned people to carefully consider the vulnerability of our loved ones and ensure that social distancing is observed for the time being.
The Government is now working on Step 4 of the roadmap, which aims to be implemented around the 21st June if it is safe to do so. It is hoped that this will be the final step of the Roadmap, which is hoping to see no legal limits on social contact.
For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-at-coronavirus-press-conference-10-may-2021
