Covid lockdown easing: What can and can't you do? All the answers to your FAQs
Here are the answers to your questions about the rules
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
It's the first weekend since lockdown restrictions in England were eased on Monday (12th April), meaning we are now halfway through the Government's roadmap out of lockdown, but what exactly can and can't you do?
You may well be planning your weekend, but with a change of rules come a lot of questions... Can I have people in my garden? How many friends can I meet at the pub? Can my mobile hairdresser come and cut my hair at home?
To save you time, we've looked at the Government's advice to answer all of your FAQs on the Covid-19 rules.
Here are the answers to your FAQs on the Covid-19 rules:
How many people can I meet outside?
The "rule of six" means that six people from different households can meet up outside. More people can meet outside if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
Can I have people in my garden?
Yes, you can have people in your garden because both the rule of six and the two household rule apply to private outdoor spaces, including gardens.
Can I use my friend's toilet?
Yes, if necessary, you can enter someone's house to use the bathroom. However in these instances, you should wear a face covering, maintain social distancing from anyone not in your bubble, wash your hands thoroughly and immediately return outside when you are finished.
Can I get my hair cut by a hairdresser at home?
Yes, mobile hairdressers were allowed to resume work alongside other personal care premises from 12th April, meaning you can get your hair professionally cut at home.
How many people can I meet in a beer garden?
Groups of six people from different households can gather in beer gardens or the outdoor areas of pubs and restaurants. Restaurants and pubs must serve people outdoors via table service.
Can I go to weddings?
It depends on the number of guests. Weddings and commemorative events, including wakes, can go ahead with 15 guests. Wedding receptions are also permitted to have 15 guests as long as they take place outdoors. Meanwhile, 30 people can attend funerals.
Can I go clothes shopping?
Non-essential retail is allowed to resume meaning many stores, including clothes shops, are once again welcoming customers.
Can I take my child to a parent-child group indoors?
Yes, parent-children groups are now allowed to take place indoors with up to 15 adults, as children under 5 do not count towards this 15 attendee maximum.
Are children included in the rule of six?
Yes, children of all ages are included in the rule of six. However, if only two households are meeting up, there is no limit on the number of people. For example, six adults and four children from three different households cannot meet up, but the same number from only two households would be permitted.
Can we go inside if the weather's bad?
Unfortunately even if the weather turns you still cannot socialise inside with people who are not in your bubble. Indoor household mixing is expected to be reintroduced from 17th May if all goes to plan with the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Can I stay away overnight?
It depends. On 12th April, self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households. You can therefore stay in a caravan or in self-contained holiday lets with your household or bubble. However, you cannot go away with anyone out with your household or bubble, or stay at someone's house who is not in your bubble.