Changes to Lockdown Measures (Step Three)

As the four tests of easing lockdown are shown to be met, the government is continuing to take steps to ease lockdown rules.

Therefore, from 17 May:

• People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
• Six people or two households can meet indoors
• Care home residents can have up to five named visitors and greater freedoms to make low-risk visits
• Domestic overnight stays allowed with people not in your household or bubble
• Face coverings no longer needed by secondary school and college pupils in classrooms or communal areas, but twice weekly home testing for pupils remains
• Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
• Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
• Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
• Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
• Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
• Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
• People will be able to travel abroad to green list countries without having to quarantine when they return
• Weddings, wedding receptions, wakes, funerals and christenings will be allowed with 30 people.

Social distancing with close family and friends will be a matter of personal judgement. But people are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging.

Social distancing will remain in place in social care, medical, retail, hospitality and business settings. People will still need to wear face coverings on transport and in shops, unless they are exempt.

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Before proceeding to the final step, the government will examine the data to assess the impact of previous changes.