Everything you can do from 29th March as lockdown restrictions ease
The Rule of Six will be reintroduced outdoors and outdoor sport facilities will reopen
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
From Monday 29th March there's a few more things we will be able to do in England as lockdown begins to ease.
Measures will focus on relaxing more restrictions around social contact and will include the return of the 'Rule of Six' in an outdoor setting.
This marks the second part of stage one in the Government's four stage roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in England.
It comes after the first step of stage one was taken on 8th March when children returned to the classrooms, after school clubs reopened, care home visits were reintroduced and two people from different households could meet socially outdoors.
There are four stages in total, with at least five weeks between each stage.
Here are all the rules changing on 29th March:
Larger group gatherings outdoors
From 29th March 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. For example, this means that two families of four who live in two households could meet up outside.
"Stay at Home" becomes "Stay Local"
From 29th March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government's "Stay at Home" rule will end. However, many restrictions will remain in place and people will still be encouraged to stay local. People should continue to work from home where possible and overseas travel is still not permitted in the vast majority of cases.
Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including golf courses, tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29th March.
Organised sport for adults and children
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from 29th March.
Weddings with six people
Weddings attended by 6 people are allowed from 29th March. The number of guests allowed at weddings will increase as we move further through the roadmap.
So far the Government has been able to meet their planned target dates thanks in part to the successful vaccine rollout.
The coming months will see the lifting of further restrictions up until 21st June when the Government aims to have removed almost all restrictions on social distancing.
However, whether or not the Government achieves their target dates depends on four tests:
- The success of the vaccine rollout
- Evidence of vaccine efficacy
- An assessment of new variants
- Keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
When might other restrictions be lifted?
12th April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12th April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12th April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12th April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12th April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12th April.
17th May: Indoor mixing
From 17th May 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.
17th May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17th May.
17th May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17th May.
21st June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21st 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.
21st June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21st June.