When will the January 2021 Covid 19 lockdown restrictions be lifted?
Following the announcement by the Prime minister on 22nd February 2021, a road map has been set out to start lifting the January 2021 Covid 19 lock down. Before announcing the road map, it was stated that 17.5 million people have been vaccinated to date. It was also stated that although restrictions hope to be eased, the easing would result in an increase in infections of the virus. However, the economy and mental well being of the population will not survive a much longer lock down. There will be 4 tests, lead by the scientific data, that will determine if the following lifting of restrictions is possible.
What are the 4 tests that will determine if further lifting of restrictions is possible?
- Vaccine programme continues successfully.
- Vaccine success shows evidence of reduced Covid 19 admissions to hospital or death.
- Further infections do not put pressure on the NHS.
- There are no new variants of the virus that cause concerns.
At each stage the data will be checked and then plans for the next step confirmed. There will be a 5 week time period between each step. 4 weeks to allow for reports on data and 1 week to notify the public.
Reopening Step 1Planned for 08/03/2021:
All schools and further education reopening with face-to-face teaching. Twice weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils encouraged, and pupils may be asked to wear face masks. Family and childcare bubbles encouraged to get tested regularly.
Breakfast and after school clubs can also reopen.
Child outdoor sports clubs can also restart to help parents to work.
Universities where on-site learning is required will reopen. Courses where on site learning is not essential, online teaching will continue and this will be looked at again after easter.
You can meet 1 person from outside your home for a coffee on a park bench or a picnic outside as well as for outside exercise.
Care home residents can nominate 1 visitor who must wear PPE and be tested regularly.
Clinically vulnerable people should continue to shield until end of March 2021.
Planned for 29/03/2021:
- Rule of 6 people meeting outside or in a private garden permitted.
- Where rule of 6 does not apply due to size of households, 2 households can meet outside.
- Outdoor sports can resume.
- No one will legally be required to stay at home.
You should still work from home if you can.
Step 2, planned no sooner than 12/04/2021:
If the 4 tests are met the following will reopen:
- Non-essential shops and retail
- Hairdressers
- Nail salons
- Gyms
- Holiday lets, but only for individuals or occupancy by the same household at any one time.
- Pubs and restaurants outdoors, with no need to have a substantial meal with alcohol.
- Zoos
- Theme parks
- Drive in cinemas
- Libraries
Step 3, Planned no sooner than 17/05/2021:
If the 4 tests are still met the following will reopen:
- Up to 30 people can meet outside.
- Rule of 6 or 2 households can meet inside.
Indoor opening for:
- Pubs
- Restaurants
- Cinemas
- Children play areas
- Hotels
- Hostels
- B&B
- Theatres
- Concert Halls
- Sport Stadiums
Step 4, planned for no sooner than 21/06/2021:
If the 4 tests are still met the following will reopen:
All legal restrictions on social contact, weddings and night clubs will be lifted. Larger events will be piloted by using enhanced testing.
The public are asked that if you can work from home please continue to do so until further reviews are done.
What further steps will be looked at after we have reached step 4 above?
Consideration of how long face masks should be worn and social distancing rules.
International travel will be reviewed by 12/04/2021.
Possibility of Covid status certification to help larger venues to reopen safely.
Return of major events.
What are my next steps?
Make sure you understand when your industry will be reviewed based on the above.
Free virus testing kits are available for workplaces until end of June 2021 so if necessary, you can collect these kits from the local testing centre if required.
The financial support package will be announced on 03/03/2021 so look out for our update then.
Be aware that the virus is still very much a threat, always keep yourself safe. Local and regional restrictions may have to be placed if infection rates grow in specific areas or new variants occur which escape the current vaccines. The more careful we are now will reduce the need for this later.