Monday 17 May saw the government ease limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.
Most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors have been lifted, however gatherings of more than 30 people remain illegal. Indoors, the Rule of 6 or 2 households still applies.
Work and education
The guidance remains to continue to work from home if you can, however many businesses are now reopening their office doors with heightened safety measures. Schools, colleges and universities are fully open with regular testing provided.
Retail, hospitality and leisure
As before, retail and personal care remain open. Bars, pubs and restaurants have been able to reopen for indoor dining, allowing groups of up to six people or two households. All holiday accommodation including hotels and B&Bs are now able to open. Gyms, indoor sports facilities and swimming pools remain open indoors and outdoors, and organised sport and group exercises are allowed. Cinemas, bowling alleys, zoos and theme parks are able to reopen indoors and outdoors.
Travel
Whilst the ‘stay at home’ guidance has been lifted, advice remains to travel safely by planning ahead and trying to avoid busy times and routes. A ‘red, amber and green’ list has been introduced to provide guidance on overseas travel – this can be found here.
Sharon Smith, Chief Executive, said:
“In one of the biggest steps forward in the past 14 months, Monday saw the most significant ease in coronavirus restrictions to date. With an estimated 60% of hospitality venues having no outdoor space, Monday’s ease in restrictions represented an important step in the road to economic recovery allowing businesses to regain profits lost during the months spent in lockdown.
The government’s long-term strategy to support businesses helped to ease the pressure on many organisations and saw them through the latest national lockdown. However, there is concern from many businesses that this support will only serve as a stop gap. It is the hope that by the summer period we will have continued on the roadmap to lifting restrictions completely and businesses witness a boost in trade to help them through the Autumn months when deferred rent payments are due and the repayment of covid loans begin.” Continue reading…