Lincolnshire and Newark ready for easing of lockdown restrictions.

It's the latest stage of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

Face mask
Author: Andy MarshPublished 17th May 2021

Today's a key stage in the easing of lockdown restrictions.

There are a large number of freedoms which kick in.

Pubs and restaurants can welcome customers back indoors from today whilst hotels and guest houses are back open.

Up to 30 people can meet outdoors, while inside, groups of up to six, or two households, can get together.

The ban on foreign holidays has been lifted and we're allowed to hug friends and family.

In Lincolnshire a number of heritage sites will be back open.

The Collection Museum, Usher Gallery, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and Lincoln Castle are now open.

Wayne Berryman is a visitor experience officer at the Castle and told us everyone there has been looking forward to this day enormously.

Meanwhile school children won't need to wear face masks in classrooms or communal areas.

It follows MPs and parents raising concerns about them disrupting pupils' learning.

Students we spoke to at St Bede's in Scunthorpe were delighted that will now happen.

Elsewhere Age UK is opening a community hub at Park Street in Lincoln from today.

There's a chance to socialise, eat and take part in activities.

The charity says the hub is crucial as it will help address issues of older people being lonely as well as social isolation.