Yesterday marked step two of the roadmap to easing lockdown.

This meant that non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres could open their doors again.

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopened (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups); as did most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas.

Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also now reopen.

Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors at step two and there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’).

While funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes has risen to 15.

The next set of restrictions are due to ease on May 17.

What happens on May 17?

Social contact

As part of Step three, no earlier than 17 May, the government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.

This means that most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted - although gatherings of more than 30 people will remain illegal.

Indoors, the rule of six or two households will apply -the government will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.

As soon as possible and by no later than Step three, the government will also update the advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging. But until this point, people should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble.

Businesses and activities

Most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen.

In all sectors, Covid-Secure guidance will remain in place and businesses may not cater for groups bigger than the legal limits.

Indoor hospitality will reopen - and as in step two, venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; nor will there be a curfew. Customers will, however, have to order, eat and drink while seated.

Other indoor locations to open up in step three include indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas; the rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs; and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.

The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full, and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full.

Events

Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. This limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.

Review of social distancing

Finally, before step begins (On June 21), the government will complete a review of social distancing and other long-term measures that have been put in place to cut transmission.

This will inform decisions on the timing and circumstances under which the rules on one metre plus, the wearing of face coverings and other measures may be lifted. This will also inform guidance on working from home – which should continue wherever possible until this review is complete.