A four-stage end to lockdown with a minimum of 5 weeks between subject to reviews has been set out by Boris Johnson, saying that the public will have a minimum of one week’s notice to be given before each stage.
From 8 March: All schools in England, with secondary school students set to have a Covid tests carried out every 2 weeks.
Outdoor recreation with one other person will also be allowed from that date, meaning people can sit together in a park with a coffee, drink or picnic.
From 29 March the message for stay at home will end and larger groups will be able to meet outside – including in private gardens – up to a maximum of six people or two households.
Some outdoor restrictions will be lifted by 29 March, outdoor meeting and excises will be allowed and a covid secure for the mayor election.
12 April onwards: Non-essential retail, hairdressers, nail salons, gyms and outdoor areas in hospitality venues (such as beer gardens) set to reopen – along with libraries, museums, zoos and theme parks. Self-contained accommodation will reopen, but people will only be able to stay with members of their household
17 May onwards: Pubs, restaurants, cinemas, hotels, B&Bs and children’s play areas set to open their doors once more, with fans allowed back into sporting events. Most rules on social contact outdoors will be lifted, while mixing of different households will be allowed indoors. Up to 30 people will be allowed at weddings, funerals, wakes, receptions and christenings, with Boris Johnson said the next step will be to reopen beer gardens and hairdressers in England from 12 April at the earliest.
21 June at the earliest: All legal limits on social contact set to be removed, with the remaining sectors of the economy reopened. Weddings are the only events where some restrictions may have to remain
A travel taskforce report is set to be given on April 12, so that more guidance can be given to the aviation sector and give the public more clearance for those looking to book their summer holidays.