Today, Monday 22 February 2021, the Government has released its first detailed and timetabled plan to release the Coronavirus-combatting restrictions the country has been under since 4 January. Full details are available on the Government’s website.
Summary of the main points:
Step one – 8 March: will see schools reopening and two people allowed to meet outdoors for a chat. Then, from 29 March, outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed. Outdoor sports, including football, golf and tennis, will be allowed to resume from 29 March as well.
Step two – 12 April: would see shops, hairdressers and gyms reopen in England. Also from 12 April, outdoor hospitality will resume, as well as zoos and theme parks.
Step three – 17 May: most social contact rules lifted, as well as limited mixing indoors.
Step four – 21 June: The prime minister hopes that step four, from 21 June, would see the end of all legal limits on social contact.
