Roadmap update

Yesterday, shops, gyms, hairdressers, pubs and restaurants reopened in a major step forward in the Governments roadmap – and I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly as the vaccination programme enters a further phase.

Yesterday marked the start of the second phase of our cautious easing of lockdown restrictions as part of our route back to a more normal way of life.

This means that non-essential retail, outdoor attractions, indoor leisure facilitates, hospitality venues and self-contained accommodation are now able to open once again, funerals can continue with up to 30 people and the numbers able to attend weddings and receptions has risen to 15.

Whilst this will be a relief for business owners, and a chance for everyone to get back to doing many of the things they’ve missed.Yesterday saw the opening of non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups); as can most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas. Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.

Hospitality venues are now allowed to serve people outdoors at Step 2 and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’). Wider social contact rules will apply in all these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

While funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes have risen to 15.

These measures will come as a massive relief after a challenging few months, but as we rediscover the connections and activities that are so vital to our lives and mental health it is vital we continue to remember to wash our hands, cover our face, give people space and only meet others in the fresh air.