Lockdown easing: What are the changes on Monday

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Lockdown easing: What are the changes on Monday Posted On 14 May 2021

On Monday, the next level of easing of lockdown restrictions begins

The UK continues to reopen, with additional relaxations of lockdown measures coming into place on Monday 17^th May. However, we know all the changes can be a little overwhelming and confusing, so we thought we would simplify things. Below is our guide to what you can and can’t do from Monday.

Meeting up

People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
Six people or two households can meet indoors, with overnight stays allowed
Up to 30 people can attend weddings, receptions and other life events
Number of people who can attend a funeral no longer capped, but determined by the size of venue
Up to 30 allowed to attend a support group or parent-and-child group (not counting under-fives)
Care home residents allowed up to five named visitors, and more freedom for visits out of the home

Social distancing with close family and friends will be a matter of personal judgement. But people are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging.

Social distancing will remain in place in social care, medical, retail, hospitality and business settings. People will still need to wear face coverings on transport and in shops, unless they are exempt.

Leisure and entertainment

Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers indoors
Indoor entertainment such as museums, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
Theatres, concert halls, conference centres and sports stadiums can all reopen
Organised adult sports and exercise classes can restart indoors
Steam rooms and saunas may reopen
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen

Education

Face coverings no longer recommended in secondary schools for pupils
All remaining university students eligible to return to in-person teaching

Travel

People will be able to travel abroad to green list countries without having to quarantine when they return

This is obviously great news for everyone after what has been a long, hard slog for the start of the year. Hopefully, we will be in for a summer of celebration spent with families and friends, however, it is still important to adhere to certain rules that will stay in place till June 21^st at least.