17th May confirmed for next stage of lockdown easing

Further easing of Covid-19 restrictions is to go ahead on 17th May as set out in the government’s roadmap, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed.

In a televised press briefing on 10th May, Boris Johnson confirmed that based on current data regarding the coronavirus pandemic in the UK all of the government’s four tests for easing restrictions have been met.

From the 17th May, the majority of the indoor and remaining outdoor economy can reopen, and gathering limits will increase indoors and outdoors. Guidance for close contact between friends and family will be updated, with people exercising their own personal judgement in line with the risks.

From Monday 17th May:

• Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
• Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas, outdoor theatres and outdoor cinemas can reopen. Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will apply.
• Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen; saunas and steam rooms may also reopen.
• Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) will also be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
• In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).
• Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. Other life events that will be permitted include bar mitzvahs and christenings.
• Face coverings will no longer be needed in classrooms or for students in communal areas in secondary schools and colleges. Twice weekly home testing will remain to control infection rates.
• The Stay in the UK restriction will be lifted and people will be able to travel to green list countries, if they permit inbound travel. The Transport Secretary has confirmed that international travel can begin to safely reopen from 17 May, allowing people to go on foreign holidays to ‘green’ list countries. Strict border control measures will remain in place, including pre-departure tests and a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival back in the UK.
• Care homes residents will be able to have up to five named visitors, with two visitors able to attend at once provided they are tested and follow infection control measures. Residents will also have greater freedoms to leave their home without having to isolate on their return.

The next phase of lockdown easing, which will see all remaining Covid-19 restrictions lifted, is due to take place no earlier than 21 June. Further detail on Step 4 will be set out at the end of the month