All four UK nations are continuing to loosen their lockdown measures to allow people more freedom.

However, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ from each other as they make their own decisions on what can be eased in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.

Each government’s measures need to be reviewed every three weeks by law and are based on scientific advice, such as keeping “the R number” below one.

ENGLAND

Boris Johnson has detailed extra powers for ministers and local councils to act on outbreaks, but he also revealed key dates for more reopenings in England.

Leicester was put on local lockdown on 30 June, but restrictions have now been lifted.

Luton and Blackburn and Darwen have become “areas of intervention” after they reached similar levels of cases, but a full localised lockdown will not be imposed. Instead, the latest round of restrictions being eased may not apply to those areas.

From 25 July:

• Gyms, fitness centres, indoor pools and dance studios can reopen

From 1 August:

• Employers can discuss with staff whether it is safe to return to their workplace
• Most remaining leisure centres can reopen
• Indoor performances with live audiences – including in theatres and sports stadiums – can resume if pilots are successful
• Wedding receptions for up to 30 people can resume
• Bowling lanes, skating rinks, casinos and beauticians can reopen as long as they have measures in place to reduce COVID-19 transmission

From October:

• Audiences may be able to return to sports stadiums following pilot projects
• Conferences and business events may be allowed to restart

From November:

• Social distancing measures may be eased if the prevalence of COVID-19 falls significantly

What restrictions are still in place?

• People still can’t hug their loved ones and are expected to maintain social distancing with other groups
• Nightclubs and soft play areas must remain closed for now

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