Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed more lockdown restrictions will be eased across England from next week.
The PM gave an update on the easing of coronavirus restrictions during a Downing Street press conference this afternoon (May 10).
He said that the British public’s efforts have so “visibly paid off” and the four tests for easing the lockdown have been met.
As outlined when Mr Johnson announced his roadmap out of lockdown in February, from May 17 under stage three of the plan:
- Meetings of six people, or two households, will be allowed to take place indoors
- Pubs, cafes and restaurants will be able to host customers indoors
- Other indoor entertainment, hospitality and sports venues – such as cinemas, museums and theatres – will also be able to resume activity
- Foreign holidays will no longer be restricted
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- Weddings, receptions and other life events can take place with up to 30 people
- The limit on numbers attending funerals will be removed in line with how many people can be safely accommodated in venues
- Pupils will no longer be required to wear face coverings in classrooms and communal areas
As reported over the weekend, people will also be able to love their hugged ones again from next week but Mr Johnson urged people to think about the “vulnerability” of their loved ones before they do. People will now “have the choice on whether to socially distance with close family or friends” or not.
Boris Johnson added that “we remain on track to move to step 4” of lockdown easing on June 21st.