England has taken its first major step out of lockdown today as outdoor family get-togethers and sport return, however Covid is still a serious threat.
First step out of lockdown
The “stay at home” order ends today, meaning that relatives and friends can reunite in groups of to six people just in time for the Easter weekend. Two households of any size will also be allowed to meet up in order to not discriminate against larger families.
Organised outdoor team sports can return too as hospitalisations and death rates fall.
Boris Johnson is promoting the idea of a “Great British summer of sport”, with people now allowed to “resume the activities they love”.
The Prime Minister said; “I know how much people have missed the camaraderie and competition of organised sport, and how difficult it has been to restrict physical activities – especially for children. We must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout. Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called.”
The easing of restrictions mark the first major milestone on the roadmap out of lockdown which was detailed in late February. That said, meeting with one other person from outside one’s household was permitted from 8 March.
We will have to wait until 12 April for pubs and restaurants to open and even then that will be for outdoor customers only. Hairdressers, gyms, public buildings including libraries and community centres, theme parks and non-essential shops will also reopen then. Campsites and holiday lets will also be entitled to open, so long as no indoor facilities are shared with other households.
Even though both Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak would like to see a return to the office soon, people are still being encouraged to work from home where possible.
Travel abroad is still illegal, with a return of foreign holidays unlikely to be allowed from the middle of May as detailed on the roadmap due to Covid numbers in Europe and elsewhere.