As of May 17 the next set of lockdown restrictions are set to ease.

On May 10, Boris Johnson outlined the next step of the roadmap out of lockdown.

During the speech the Prime Minister confirmed that people will be able to meet inside again as of Monday (May 17).

From this date up to six people or two household can meet indoors.

Pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality venues will also be able to seat customers indoors for the first time.

For the first time in months, from 17 May, people will be permitted to stay overnight with those who are not in their household or support bubble.

This means that couples who do not live together and are not in a support bubble together will be able to spend the night in each other’s homes.

When to comes to meeting outdoors, people will be able to mix in groups of 30 or less.

This means that you can go to the pub or to a restaurant and sit outside in groups of up to 30 or less.

The assessment to move to Step 3 was based on four tests:

  • The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
  • Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
  • Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
  • The Government assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern

The Transport Secretary has confirmed that international travel can begin to safely reopen from 17 May, allowing people to go on foreign holidays to ‘green’ list countries. Strict border control measures will remain in place, including pre-departure tests and a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival back in the UK.

Face coverings will no longer be needed in classrooms or for students in communal areas in secondary schools and colleges. Twice weekly home testing will remain to control infection rates.

All remaining university students will be eligible to return to in-person teaching and learning from May 17, and should get tested twice a week upon return.

Up to 30 people will now be able to attend weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including wakes, as well as standalone life-cycle events. These can take place outdoors or at any indoor Covid secure venue that is permitted to open. The number of people able to attend a funeral will be determined by the number that can be safely accommodated in the venue with social distancing in place.

30 people will be able to attend a support group or parent and child group. The limit will not apply to children under 5.

Organised adult sport and exercise classes can resume indoors and saunas and steam rooms may reopen.

Care homes residents will be able to have up to five named visitors, with two visitors able to attend at once provided they are tested and follow infection control measures. Residents will also have greater freedoms to leave their home without having to isolate on their return.