Easing of restrictions – stay safe and keep space

March 29th see’s the end of the ‘stay at home’ rule and the start of lockdown restrictions easing up. But what exactly do these changes this mean for us and how we go about our daily lives?

Social contact

The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. And this is why when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will also be allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.

Business and activities

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

Travel

The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme. The government has launched a new taskforce to review global travel which will report on 12 April.

This does not mean that the pandemic is over and the Government can change the rules at any time if evidence suggests that further restrictions are necessary. But it does mean that many of us can now safely see our friends and family and enjoy some outdoor sports. Please continue to social distance and wear masks in indoor spaces, and wash/sanitize your hands regularly.