Non-essential shops to open and pubs allowed to serve outside from next week
The Prime Minister has set out the latest lockdown easing steps in England
Last updated 5th Apr 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that non-essential shops can open and that pubs and restaurants can serve people outdoors from April 12th as lockdown measures are eased in England.
The government also announced today that a traffic light system would be in place for going abroad.
In a briefing from Downing Street Mr Johnson discussed step two in the lockdown easing 'roadmap' and confirmed the planned relaxing of rules from next Monday would go ahead.
It's a week after the second part of step one easing meant we could start to meet people outdoors.
Shops opening and pubs able to serve outdoors
Boris Johnson said that step two of the lockdown easing measures will take place from Monday 12th April.
That means pubs and restaurants will be able to start serving customers outdoors from next week while hairdressers, nail salons, gyms and libraries – as well as non-essential retail – will be able to reopen.
The Prime Minister said he would be visiting a pub:
“On Monday 12, I will be going to the pub myself and cautiously but irreversibly raising a pint of beer to my lips.”
Most outdoor attractions and settings including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas will also be able to open.
Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.
The number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes will rise to 15, while funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners.
Lockdown easing dates and details:
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions
From 12 April, non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, theme parks and outdoor cinemas will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although you must order via table service.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen from 12 April (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups).
12 April: Self contained accommodation
Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen in Step 2 of lockdown easing, taking place on the 12th April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
STEP THREE: From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
STEP THREE: Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
STEP THREE: Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.
How will the traffic light system work for going abroad?
While the ban on foreign travel from England will not be lifted before May 17, Downing Street has said that when the rules are relaxed there will be a risk-based “traffic light” system with red, amber and green ratings for countries around the world.
Travellers arriving from countries rated green will not be required to isolate although pre-departure and post-arrival tests will still be needed.
For those classed as amber or red, the restrictions will remain as they are, with arrivals required to isolate or enter quarantine.
Officials have made clear that there will be no announcement this week on which country is on which list – a decision which has been criticised by tourism industry bosses.
What did Boris Johnson say about plans for Covid certificates?
Boris Johnson said there was no question that certificates would have to be shown at venues from Monday, or for step three of easing in May.
The Prime Minister did say it may be useful for international travel in the future though.
The Government is planning trials at a series of events over the coming weeks including the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield and culminating with the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 15.
Initially they will not involve the use of certificates although spectators will be required to be tested for Covid-19 both before and after the event.
Everyone to be offered Covid tests
The Prime Minister announced earlier today that everyone in England is to be offered free, twice-weekly coronavirus tests.
The lateral flow tests – which can provide results in around 30 minutes – will be available from Friday, regardless of whether people have symptoms.
People will be able to obtain a test through a home ordering service, workplace or school testing programme, or by collecting one at a local test site.
The Prime Minister said the scheme would help stop fresh outbreaks, enabling the authorities to identify and control new variants of the disease.
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