Covid Stage 3 Update

BREAKING NEWS: Lockdown easing to go ahead on May 17 but PM urges common-sense caution as new virus variant emerges in Bolton and Blackburn. Coronavirus tests available at local pharmacy.

What are the lockdown rules easing on 17 May?

Indoor hospitality: Pubs, bars and restaurants will be allowed to open indoors, although only table service will be permitted with standing at the bar not allowed. Drinkers will not have to buy a substantial meal and there will be no 10pm curfews.
Socialising: People will be able to meet indoors in groups of up to six or two households, while outdoor groups of up to 30 people will be permitted.
Overnight stays: Overnight stays with family and friends are allowed in groups of up to six people or two households.
Hugging: People will have an individual choice about whether to socially distance from close friends and family from different households. This means loved ones will be allowed to hug for the first time in more than a year, but the Government is urging people to remain "cautious" about the risks that come with close personal contact.
Weddings: Up to 30 people will be able to gather to celebrate weddings, receptions, wakes and religious ceremonies such as bar mitzvahs and christenings – however, dancing at wedding receptions is still prohibited.
Funerals: Restrictions on the numbers attending funerals will be lifted – instead, attendance will be capped in line with how many people can be safely accommodated in venues.
Education: All university students in England can return to campus next week for in-person teaching. Face coverings for pupils will no longer be recommended in classrooms or in communal areas in secondary schools and colleges.
Indoor reopenings: Cinemas, theatres, concert halls and museums can all reopen, as can children's play areas, indoor sport and exercise classes.
Domestic holidays: The introduction of the Rule of Six for overnight stays means all remaining domestic accommodation including hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen.
Overseas holidays: The ban on overseas travel has been lifted, with trips to the "green list" countries outlined last week able to go ahead. These destinations are Portugal, Gibraltar, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland and the Faroe Islands – plus several small remote islands which are British territories.

Information reproduced courtesy iNews