As the UK continues on its roadmap out of lockdown, today’s easing of Covid-19 restrictions meant Brits can now travel abroad for leisure, according to the country’s traffic light system. Several other loosening of restrictions also start today in England, with similar changes in Wales and Scotland, although less so in Northern Ireland.
1. Hospitality
The new rules coming into place today in England include changes in hospitality, as pubs and restaurants are able to serve customers indoors and indoor entertainment such as museums, cinemas and children’s play areas can open as well as theatres, concert halls, conference centres and sports stadiums. Organised adult sports and exercise classes can restart indoors and hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen.
2. Social distancing
Social distancing guidelines are also relaxed, with contact with close family and friends now a matter of personal judgement, although people are asked to remain cautious with close contact, and people can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors. Six people or two households can also meet indoors and overnight stays can take place, whilst weddings, receptions and other life events are allowed up to 30 attendees as well as certain group meetings. Care home residents are also now allowed up to five named visitors, and more freedom for visits out of the home. Face coverings are no longer recommended for pupils in secondary schools and all remaining university students are eligible to return to in-person teaching.
Today we move forward to Step 3 of our cautious roadmap to freedom.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 17, 2021
This is what you need to know ↓ pic.twitter.com/mrAW6YYDRO
3. Travel
People in England, Wales and Scotland, who until now have not legally been allowed to travel abroad for leisure purposes, can now go on holiday, with travel restrictions varying according to the country’s traffic light system. They can travel abroad to green list countries (currently 12 countries) without having to quarantine when they return, whilst amber countries still require quarantine and Covid-19 testing. For Northern Ireland non-essential travel is allowed to the rest of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It is hoped that from 21st June all legal limits on social contact in England will be removed and nightclubs will be allowed to reopen.
