Yahoo Finance Covid roadmap out of lockdown: Everything you can and can’t do from March 8
Students take lateral flow tests at Outwood Academy Adwick in Doncaster, ahead of schools and colleges fully reopening on Monday
(PA)The first major easing of England’s third lockdown is set to take place on Monday with the return of students to school.
Last month Boris Johnson made his long-awaited speech to Parliament and announced a number of key dates for reopening Britain.
The Government has always said that reopening schools would be the priority when lockdown is eased, with Monday previously set as the target date.
Here we take a look at how the restrictions will change next week.
Schools return
The most significant change to take place from March 8 is that students will return to schools and colleges.
Wraparound childcare resumes, including after-school sports activities and pre-school clubs.
While some are pleased with the news, others including a teaching union have called it “reckless.”
According to a statement from the National Education Union, a full return would mean 10 million pupils and staff travelling to and from school each day.
The union has called for an “opening phased over a period of time”, similar to the approach being taken in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What you can do from March 8:
SOCIALISING
People can meet for recreation in outdoor public spaces on a one on one basis. At the moment two people can meet during exercise but they will be allowed to sit down for a coffee on a bench or have a picnic from Monday.
Households can also go outdoors for a picnic.
CARE HOME VISITS
Care home residents will be allowed one regular named visitor, meaning large families will have to choose one family member to see a loved one alone.
What you can’t do from March 8:
TRAVEL
The “stay at home” order remains in place.
SOCIALISING
From March 29 outdoor gatherings of up to six people from different households are allowed, or a larger group from two households.
This will include meeting up in parks or private gardens for socialising. It coincides with schools breaking up for Easter, meaning that people can have contact with loved ones and friends over the break.
SPORT
Outdoor sports facilities remain closed and are expected to reopen from March 29.
NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL
By April 12 onwards, the Government hopes non-essential retail will be able to start reopening along with hairdressers and nail salons.
HOSPITALITY
From April 12 pubs and restaurants can reopen for outdoor purposes only – with tables outside in line with social distancing rules.
People will be able to meet friends or family in beer gardens as long as they abide by the rule of six or are made up of two households.
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