Following the announcement by the Prime Minister yesterday, The Evesham Journal has produced a helpful summary of the new rules applying to residents of England from 17th May. Announcements regarding Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected shortly.
A HOST of Covid-19 restrictions will be eased from May 17. Here’s the full list following prime minister Boris Johnson’s announcement today.
WORK
You should continue to work from home if you can. When travelling within the UK, you should aim to do so safely and plan your journey in advance.
GATHERINGS
Gathering limits will be eased.
Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 30 people and indoor gatherings will be limited to six people or two households, including overnight stays.
BACK TO THE PUB!
Indoor hospitality venues such as restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes can reopen.
HUGS
New guidance on meeting loved ones will emphasise personal responsibility rather than government rules.
Instead of instructing you to stay 2m apart from anyone you don’t live with, you will be encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with Covid-19 and actions you can take to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Guidance on gov.uk reads: “Remember that the risks of close contact may be greater for some people than others and in some settings and circumstances, there will be specific guidance that you will need to follow even when you are with friends and family.”
WE CAN GO OUT (YES, EVEN TO GO IN)
Indoor entertainment and attractions will be permitted to open with Covid-secure measures in place.
They include:
- Cinemas
- Theatres
- Concert halls
- Bowling alleys
- Casinos
- Amusement arcades
- Museums
- Children’s indoor play areas
THE GREAT OUTDOORS – INLCUDING FANS AT LIVE SPORT
People will be able to attend indoor and outdoor events, including live performances, sporting events and business events.
Guidance on gov.uk reads: “Attendance at these events will be capped according to venue type, and attendees should follow the Covid-secure measures set out by those venues.”
PLAYING SPORT…
Organised indoor sport will be able to take place for all (this includes gym classes). This must be organised by a business, charity or public body and the organiser must take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
UK HOLIDAYS
All holiday accommodation will be open, including hotels and B&Bs, for groups of up to six or two households.
WEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND CHRISTENINGS
Funeral attendance will no longer be limited to 30 people but will be determined by how many people the venue can safely accommodate with social distancing.
Limits at weddings, wakes and other commemorative events will be increased to 30 people. Other significant life events, such as bar/bat mitzvahs and christenings, will also be able to take place with 30 people.
CARE HOME VISITS
The rules for care home residents visiting out and receiving visitors will change, allowing up to five named visitors but only two can attend at any one time. They must test negative for Covid-19.
UNIVERSITIES
All higher education students will be able to access in-person teaching.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Support groups and parent and child group gathering limits will increase to 30 people (not including under 5s)
OVERSEAS TRAVEL
There will no longer be a legal restriction or permitted reason required to travel internationally.
There will be a traffic light system for international travel, and you must follow the rules when returning to England depending on whether you return from a red, amber or green list country.
You can read the full text of the guidance issued by the Government here: