Boris Johnson urges cautious approach amid lockdown easing
Further lockdown restrictions around the country are easing today
Last updated 17th May 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public to take a cautious approach as lockdown restrictions continues to ease.
It comes amid concerns around increased transmission of the Indian variant of coronavirus in the UK, with mass testing taking place in hotspots across the country.
As lockdown restrictions around the UK ease today, millions of people can visit friends and family inside in limited numbers, go to pubs and restaurants and hug loved ones.
Foreign travel is also permitted as according to the Government's traffic light system.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Boris Johnson hailed the progress the country has made in reaching another "milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown", but urged people to proceed with "a heavy dose of caution".
He added: "Everyone must play their part by getting tested twice a week, coming forward for your vaccine when called, and remembering hands, face, space and fresh air."
The Prime Minister also called for caution around hugging loved ones, after the Government advised last week that is was now safe to do so: "Please be cautious about the risks to your loved ones. Remember that close contact such as hugging is a direct way of transmitting this disease so you should think about the risks.
"Consider whether they are vaccinated and whether there has been time for the vaccine to take effect."
Here are all the changes taking place in England today:
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.