The roadmap to get England out of lockdown and back to some sort of normality was recently announced by Boris Johnson. This plan begins with ALL schools returning on March 8th and whilst teachers and the teachers union have blasted this with criticism, instead preferring a staggered return to schools, their protests have not amounted to any change. Students will be made to wear masks throughout lessons and testing will initially take place twice a week, with secondary school students being required to also undergo testing at home. Additionally, on the 8th, people will now be able to mix with someone from another household outside for recreational reasons, not just exercise.
Next, on March 29th, outdoor sport will be able to resume again, which means the reopening of football pitches, basketball courts and outdoor socialising will be allowed for up to 6 people. Shortly after, should vaccinations go to plan and the R number stay relatively low, on April 12th, non-essential retail such as barbers, nail techs, gyms and outdoor hospitality will be able to reopen. Attractions will also open, along with overnight stays and self-catering holidays being allowed for one household.
Following this, by May 17th, you will now be able to meet more than 6 people outside and indoor socialising/ hospitality is allowed with 2 households or up to 6 people. Weddings will also be allowed to take place with up to 30 people attending. The date on many people’s minds is June 21st, where all limits on social contact are expected to be lifted both indoors and outdoors and nightclubs are to reopen. These dates may be subject to change depending on various factors, especially if new variants are to arise which are resistant against the vaccines, however Boris Johnson stated that this will be the last lockdown England is to face.
