Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined a four-step exit strategy from the current lockdown.
Some restrictions – such as the stay-at-home rule and the return of the rule of six in England in outdoor settings – were eased on March 29, in the first step out of the country’s third national lockdown.
On April 5, the prime minister set out the next steps, including the opening of pub gardens and the prospect of summer holidays abroad.
These measures are part of the four key steps over four months to bring the UK completely out of lockdown.
Each outlined date is the earliest dates at which they could happen. Delays are possible if the data does not meet requirements.
From April 12, the government’s roadmap out of lockdown will move into step two. Non-essential retail and close contact services – including barbers and nail salons – will be permitted to open.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes in England will also be allowed to reopen outdoors.
New rules will see venues permitted to serve food and drink in outdoor spaces – and without any curfew.
Indoor leisure facilities including gyms will also be allowed to reopen, but strictly for use by people in household groups, or on their own. In such settings, the rule-of-six will not be permitted, as restrictions on mixing with others indoors will remain in place.
The roadmap is reliant upon four key ‘tests’ that are linked to data. The ‘tests’ must meet certain requirements before the country is able to move onto the next step of reopening.
The ‘tests’ will analyse whether the vaccine roll-out is going as planned, if vaccines are effective in decreasing Covid-19 deaths and hospitalisations, the potential of the NHS becoming overwhelmed and the potential risks brought by new variants.
Further information on the government’s lockdown exit strategy can be found here:
Prime Minister sets out roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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