Lockdown: Expert says ‘there’s an argument for speeding up’

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Lockdown rules came into force in order to help the UK Government quell rising rates of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives. Each devolved nation in the UK has a separate plan for the easing of lockdown. Express.co.uk has compiled a list of the current lockdown rules and everything you need to know ahead of the next lockdown easing step on April 12.

In England, pubs and shops will reopen on April 12.

This is the second stage of lockdown easing after two phases were undertaken in March.

On March 8, schools and colleges were reopened.

Social gatherings between two people for the purpose of recreation were permitted to take place from this date.

Later in the month, the rules around social gatherings were extended enabling two households or six people to meet in outdoor settings.

Lockdown easing steps are being taken across Britain.

In England, the next step in the lockdown easing plan is due to come into force from April 12, with more easing expected across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from that time as well.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed lockdown easing would be able to take place on April 12.

The PM said: “The net result of your efforts and the vaccine roll-out is that I can today confirm that from Monday, April 12, we will move to Step Two of our roadmap – reopening shops, gyms, zoos, holiday campsites, personal care services like hairdressers and, of course, beer gardens and outdoor hospitality of all kinds.

“And on Monday, April 12, I will be going to the pub myself – and cautiously but irreversibly raising a pint of beer to my lips.

“We’re also increasing the number of visitors to care homes from one to two – to allow residents to see more of their loved ones.

“We think that these changes are fully justified by the data, which show we are meeting our four tests for easing the lockdown.”

Coronavirus prevalence in England has increased from last week, according to recent Office for National Statistics figures.

One in 340 people not in care homes, hospitals and other institutional settings tested positive for COVID-19 in the week ending April 3 in England.

A total of 148,100 people in England tested positive for Covid, which equates to one in 370 people.

In Wales, the infection rate has dropped in the past two weeks to April 3, with one in 800 people not in care homes, hospitals or other institutional settings testing positive for Covid.

The percentage of people testing positive has continued to decline in Scotland with around 13,000 testing positive for Covid in the week ending April 3.

In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive appeared level in recent weeks with the ONS estimating 6,100 people had COVID-19, equating to around one in 300 people.

DON’T MISS
Boris under fire over compulsory testing plans for overseas holiday [INSIGHT]
How long will I have to use a Covid passport? PM attaches time limit [EXPLAINER]
When can you meet indoors? [ANALYSIS]

England

In England, people are able to meet outdoors in groups of up to six people or two households.

These outdoor environments include public spaces and private gardens.

The stay-at-home rule has now officially ended as well, which means people are not required to remain in their homes.

Instead, the Government has introduced advice to “minimise travel”, with holidays outside your home and overnight stays elsewhere still not permitted.

Outdoor sports facilities are also open, meaning fans of golf, tennis, basketball and swimming are able to return to these sports.

Formally organised sports which take place outside are also open.

Weddings can take place, with up to six attendees.

Scotland

In Scotland, the stay at home rule was lifted recently and now citizens are advised to instead stay local.

Outdoor mixing of up to four people from two households is permitted.

Outdoors non-contact group sports of those aged 12 to 17 can be undertaken.

More retail shops can reopen including garden centres, both indoor and outdoor facilities, key cutters and homeware outlets.

Non-essential click-and-collect services have also resumed, as well as communal worship of up to 50 people as long as social distancing is observed.

Hairdressers and barbers, excluding mobile services, have reopened for pre-booked appointments.

Wales

Travel restrictions across Wales have been lifted which means Welsh residents can travel anywhere within Wales.

Six people from two households are permitted to meet up in outdoor settings, including private gardens.

Organised outdoor activities and sports for children and young people aged under 18 have also resumed.

Libraries and archives are currently open, with limited openings of some historic places and gardens.

Self-contained holiday accommodation is also available, but non-essential travel to and from other UK nations remains banned.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, people are entitled to meet for exercise in groups of up to 10 people from two households.

Outdoor sports such as golf can resume, although clubhouses and sports and sports facilities remain closed.

Six people from two households are able to meet in private gardens.

Garden centres are now open for click-and-collect services.

Source: Read Full Article