Hugs & indoor dining allowed: Latest lockdown-easing plans to be revealed
Here is what to expect from the Prime Minister's latest announcement this evening
Last updated 10th May 2021
With a week to go until the “green list” of countries where can people can visit on holiday goes live, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also expected to give the go-ahead to further relaxations of the lockdown rules in England.
So what will people in England be able to do from May 17?
Which outdoor activities will be allowed?
As summer approaches, the Government has pledged to look at easing restrictions on outdoor gatherings up to a legal limit of 30 people.
This means Mr Johnson is likely to say people are free to meet friends and family in parks, gardens and other outdoor areas.
The Government’s road map advises people to “decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances” when arranging to meet.
What will be allowed indoors?
Gatherings inside homes are likely to be allowed once again, with a limit of up to six people or groups from a maximum of two households.
A return to indoor pubs, cinemas and sports is also on the cards – and this time without any 10pm curfews.
Pub-goers will also be free to meet for a pint without having to buy a substantial meal, but they must order, eat and drink while seated to avoid queues at the bar.
How are social contact rules changing?
Mr Johnson is expected to update the advice on social distancing to allow more intimate contact with relatives and friends.
In a nod towards hugging being allowed once again, cabinet minister Michael Gove told Sky News on Sunday that “intimate contact between friends and family is something we want to see restored”.
The Government will also be reviewing wider social-distancing policies which are in place to reduce coronavirus transmission, including the two-metre rule and mandatory face coverings on transport and in other public places.
What does this mean for businesses?
In a huge boon for the hospitality sector, the Prime Minister is expected to say that most businesses in all but the highest risk areas will be able to reopen.
Business owners must follow Covid safety guidelines including making sure they do not cater for groups beyond the legal limits.
What about live events?
In addition to funerals, up to 30 people will be able to join together to celebrate weddings, receptions, wakes and religious ceremonies like bar mitzvahs and christenings.
May 17 is also likely to herald a return to theatres and indoor sporting arenas, with a maximum capacity of 1,000 people.
Outdoor arenas will be able to host live events with a maximum number of 4,000 attendees, or for large outdoor seated venues where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000.
Will employees be returning to their offices?
As part of the Government’s review into longer-term social-distancing policies, the working from home message may also be scrapped.
This may not come into effect on May 17, but is expected before the following phase easings on June 21.
Is it safe to book foreign holidays?
The Prime Minister has previously announced that Britons will be allowed to travel to green list countries without having to quarantine, providing they take one post-arrival test.
Portugal, Gibraltar, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland and the Faroe Islands – plus several small remote islands which are British Overseas Territories are currently on this list.
However, entry to Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei and the Faroe Islands is severely restricted.
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs in England will be allowed to take group bookings, meaning people can more easily plan domestic holidays.
A recap of what happens next with lockdown easing
21st June: Nightclubs could reopen
STEP FOUR: From 21st June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21st June: Bigger weddings
STEP FOUR: Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21st June.
21st June: Mass events
STEP FOUR: If all restrictions on social distancing are lifted on 21st June, mass events including concerts and festivals will be allowed to resume.