THIS week saw the first major bit of normality make a return as non-essential shops and outdoor food and drink venues reopened.

In East Lancashire and across the rest of the county on Monday, hundreds of pubs, restaurants and cafes reopened as did thousands of shops and businesses.

It marked the completion of step two of the Government's roadmap out of national lockdown restrictions.

But as the buzz of step two continues, what restrictions are next to be lifted?

The next set of restrictions, which will include easing of measures for mixing indoors, are expected to be eased on May 17.

Here are the key points:

Meeting indoors

If the relaxation of restrictions go ahead as planned, people will be able to mix with other people indoors in private homes and at indoor venues.

The Government guidance says that from May 17, up to two households - or six individuals from other households (the rule-of-six) will be able to mix indoors again.

This will apply to homes, entertainment venues, the hospitality industry - including B&Bs, hostels and hotels. 

Guidance also states that overnight stays will once again be allowed at other people's homes, as long as the rule-of-six is observed.

Currently, as part of step two, people can stay in self-contained accomodation anywhere within the UK, as long as the group is made up of people from just one household, or support bubble.

The guidance for step three states: "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 over 30 people will remain illegal.

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

"As soon as possible and by no later than step three, we 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."

More businesses will be allowed to reopen

Lots of businesses reopened their doors on Monday, but lots of venues have had to remain closed as the Government remains cautious on easing too many rules at once.

From May 17 however, under step three, the guidance states that indoor entertainment and attractions such as indoor theme parks, cinemas and theatres will be allowed to open.

As previously mentioned the hospitality sector will also be included with restaurants, cafes and pubs also allowed to serve food and drink indoors. 

The official guidance says: "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. 

Outdoor sports and entertainment can resume 

In step three, football stadiums would be allowed to welcome fans back as the rules on outdoor seated events are relaxed.

The guidance states: "The government will also allow some larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number), and in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is a lower number).

"In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower)."

More guests at weddings and other events

Under step three, weddings, receptions, funerals, and commemorative events including wakes can proceed with up to 30 guests.

A broader range of stand-alone life events will also be permitted at this step, including bar mitzvahs and christenings.

The guidance states: "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

Before step four begins, the government will complete a review of social distancing and other long-term measures that have been put in place to cut transmission of the virus.

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.

To view the full guidance - click here