Indoor socialising and hospitality to return next Monday
The Prime Minister confirmed the plans during a Downing Street press briefing
Last updated 10th May 2021
Boris Johnson has confirmed that indoor hospitality and household mixing are allowed to return from next Monday in England.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister announced the latest easing of restrictions ahead of the next key date in the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.
Addressing the public, he said: “I want to thank you particularly because your efforts have so visibly paid off, giving us the time to vaccinate more than two thirds of all adults across the UK, with more than one third – nearly 18 million people – also receiving their second dose and thereby unquestionably saving many lives.
“And so it’s precisely because of your efforts that I can confirm today that we’ve met our four tests for further easing the lockdown in England.”
From 17th May, indoor hospitality will be allowed to resume, as will indoor household mixing. This will include staying overnight with people out with your own household or bubble.
Cinemas and soft plays can reopen, and indoor sport and exercise classes will be permitted take place.
The 30-people rule will be extended to include weddings, receptions and wakes as well as funerals.
His announcement also included the long-awaited green light to hug family members, however experts are warning caution, saying hugs should be selective and avoid face-to-face contact.
The changes will see the return of foreign holidays, with the Government previously announcing twelve green listed countries from which people can return without having to quarantine.
Find out which countries are on the green list here.
The announcement comes as the latest data suggests that the further easing of restrictions from next week is unlikely to cause a resurgence in Covid-19 cases.
It marks the third step in the Government's plan to ease restrictions, with step one and two having been gradually rolled out from 8th March, and step four currently set to be implemented on 21st June.
Here are the restrictions being lifted on 17th May:
17th May: Indoor mixing
From 17th May, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors. People will be allowed to stay overnight with people out with their household or bubble.
17th May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants can reopen from 17th May.
17th May: Cinemas reopen
Cinemas will also reopen from 17th May, along with indoor soft play areas for children.
17th May: Foreign travel
Foreign travel is permitted from 17th May.
17th May: Hugs are allowed
Boris Johnson has confirmed that we can hug our loved ones from 17th May, but experts have urged that the public should remain vigilant and think carefully about who we hug.
17th May: Indoor exercise classes
From 17th May, indoor sport and exercise classes can resume.
17th May: Museums reopen
Indoor entertainment can open from Monday, including museums.
17th May: Larger events
Some larger events including concerts, theatre performances and sporting events will be allowed to resume from Monday, but restrictions on the numbers of attendees will remain in place.
17th May: No masks in secondary schools
Pupils in secondary schools and colleges will not need to wear masks in classrooms or communal spaces from Monday.
17th May: Universities return to in-person teaching
All University students can return to in-person teaching from Monday.
17th May: 30 guests can attend weddings
Up to 30 guests can now attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events like wakes.
17th May: Care home visitors increase
Care home residents can have 5 named visitors from Monday. Two visitors will be able to visit at once provided they have tested negative. Care home residents will also be able to leave care homes without having isolate on return.