Boris Johnson 'hopeful' for success of lockdown roadmap

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Easter bank holiday is usually cause for celebration, with a four day weekend often seeing Brits book long weekends away, visit the pub and spend time with family and friends. However, lockdown restrictions are still in place, meaning the Easter bank holiday may feel very different than usual. But as the UK eases restrictions, what will Easter’s lockdown rules be?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his roadmap out of lockdown in February, revealing the stages at which certain restrictions would be lifted.

This includes the return of children to school, the reopening of non-essential shops and the slow reopening of hospitality venues.

Also given dates are being able to spend time with friends and family and travel both in the UK and abroad.

So what does this mean for the Easter bank holiday from Friday, April 2 to Monday, April 5? Express.co.uk explains the rules.

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Holidays

While the Easter bank holiday long weekend may seem like the perfect opportunity to head away for the weekend, unfortunately, Britons must stay home.

Holidays within the UK are not permitted until at least April 12,  a week after the Easter weekend.

This means non-essential travel is not permitted, including day trips.

However, if you’re planning a late Easter getaway, from April 12, should the roadmap stick to schedule, self-catered accommodations in the UK can reopen.

Restrictions mean only two households can go away together, or if opting for a caravan park just the one household.

Then from May 17, hotels are allowed to reopen for guests – as are holiday homes.

Shops

Many of us love a browse around the shops, however, lockdown restrictions have pushed much of our spending online.

Unfortunately, non-essential shops will not be permitted to reopen until April 12, missing the Easter bank holiday.

From April 12, non-essential retail and personal care businesses like hairdressers may be allowed to reopen their doors.

Gyms and swimming pools may also be allowed to reopen – however the April 12 deadline is dependent on coronavirus data.

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Pubs & restaurants

Another traditional bank holiday pastime is to visit the pub or head for a meal out.

However, again April 12 is the date to watch for as this is when restaurants, pubs and cafes can serve food – but using outdoor seating only.

This means from April 12 you can enjoy a meal out as long as you don’t mind sitting outside.

Beer gardens will reopen on this date, as will alcohol takeaways, and other venues like zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas.

From May 17, should the roadmap go to plan, indoor hospitality would be permitted to open.

Seeing family and friends

Many of us have gone months without seeing friends and family due to lockdown.

In an ideal world, over Easter, we’d be heading to see friends or head to the kitchen to cook a meal for visiting family.

However, restrictions are still in place for the Easter bank holiday – but you may be able to see people in some form.

Britons are now allowed to socialise in parks and public spaces with one other person.

So if your friends and family are near, you can head to a park and enjoy a coffee over the Easter bank holiday.

Then, from March 29 rules will change from ‘stay at home’ to ‘stay local’ which means bigger groups of people will be able to meet up outdoors.

From this date, the rule of six is back, meaning groups of up to six people – or two households – can meet in parks and gardens.

So you can head to see friends and family at the park or invite people round to your garden – so long as you continue to observe the rules.

The next key date to bear in mind is May 17, when two households or groups of up to six people may be allowed to mix indoors.

While from May 17, the rule of six outdoors will be removed, meaning larger groups can gather in parks and gardens.

Full social contact limits will then be lifted from June 21, meaning family reunions and social gatherings will have no restrictions.

However, it is worth bearing in mind all of these dates are subject to coronavirus data, which is constantly being reviewed by the Government’s top scientific advisors.

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