Essex business leaders rate Government's plan to ease lockdown 7.5 out of 10
Boris Johnson announced his four-stage plan to ease lockdown measures yesterday (22 February)
Essex Chambers of Commerce has rated the Government's roadmap out of lockdown at 7.5 out of 10.
The Prime Minister set out his "cautious but irreversible" plan to ease lockdown measures in England on Monday, which includes the full reopening on schools from 8th March.
Non-essential shops, hairdressers and beer gardens are also expected to open no earlier than 12 April.
While Essex Chambers recognised people are looking forward to returning to "some sort of normality", it thinks those in the hospitality sector will be disappointed.
David Burch, Director of Policy, said:
"Throughout this period they have worked jolly hard to comply with Government requirements and I think quite a few of them are now feeling let down.
"The Government has said they will review this as things go on, well we would like to see them review it and bring forward the reopening of some of these sectors rather than potentially delay them."
Indoor hospitality such as pubs, restaurants and cinemas, are expected to reopen on 17 May at the earliest.
David continued:
"I would say that many businesses would give the Government 7.5 out of 10 at the moment, and probably a comment of could do better."
What dates will lockdown restrictions be lifted in England?
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
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
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
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.