12th April confirmed for next step in easing lockdown

The planned easing of lockdown on 12th April will go ahead as planned, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed, in line with the roadmap set out in February.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the four assessments originally set out in February to determine the risk of permitting further mixing were continuing to be met.

From Monday 12th April additional premises will be able to reopen – with the rules on social contact applying. Indoor settings must only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households. Sectors of the economy that will reopen include:

• Non-essential retail, personal care premises, such as hairdressers and nail salons, and public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, will reopen.
• Most outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, and theme parks, will also reopen although wider social contact rules will apply in these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households. Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted.
• Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen – but only for use by people on their own or with their household.
• Hospitality venues can serve people outdoors only. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew – although customers must order, eat and drink while seated.
• Self-contained accommodation, such as holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.
• Funerals can continue with up to 30 people, and the numbers able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15 (from 6).

The Prime Minister also confirmed that plans were also being worked on that could see additional easing of restrictions ahead of schedule through a Covid-status certification programme. Commonly referred to as ‘vaccine passports,’ such certification would allow access to higher-risk settings to those who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 or can provide evidence of a recent negative test.