When will lockdown end?

Speedy vaccine rollout key to restrictions easing

The first phase of England’s roadmap out of lockdown is underway, with the gradual easing of the rules set to take several months. 

The 68-page roadmap set out a staged approach to lifting measures, and since 8 March all school children have been allowed to return to the classroom.

Measures will continue to be eased, step by step, across the whole of England at the same time because the virus is viewed to be fairly uniformly spread across the country.

Boris Johnson said he wanted to tread a “cautious” line with the UK having suffered one of the worst official death tolls anywhere in the world.

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What conditions must be met for lockdown to end?

Four key tests have been set which need to be met before restrictions can be relaxed across the country.

Before each new step the government will look at the Covid-related data to assess what impact the relaxing of measures has had so far.

Several weeks will pass before the next stage in the unlocking to ensure cases of the virus do not spiral out of control.

When will restrictions next be eased?

The next step in phase one will be the return of the “rule of six” on 29 March, along with a new two-household rule.

Phase one began on 8 March, when pupils in all year groups were allowed back in the classroom, with outdoor after-school sports and activities also allowed to restart.

Since the same date, people have been permitted to have socially distanced one-to-one meetings with others outdoors in a public space.

Care home residents have also been allowed a named, single visitor since then, with visitors required to take a lateral flow test and wear personal protective equipment.

Rule of six and outdoor sports

From 29 March, the “rule of six” will return, along with new measures allowing two households, totalling more than six people, to meet.

Larger groups will also be allowed to gather in parks and private gardens.

At the same time, outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts and open air swimming pools are set to reopen.

Organised adult and children’s sport – including grassroots football – can return.

From this point, people will not be legally required to stay at home, and people will be encouraged to stay local instead.

Pubs, bars and restaurants

When non-essential retail and the hospitality sector will be permitted to reopen depends, like all of the future stages of the roadmap, on the data.

From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will reopen.

Gyms will also be able to open for one household parties from this date, and self contained accommodation will reopen along with funerals for up to 30 people and weddings up to 15.

Rule of six scrapped

On or after 17 May, the rule of six and the two household limit will be scrapped outdoors but implemented indoors, including inside pubs and restaurants.

Gatherings will be allowed for up to 30 people.

Hotels and B&Bs will be permitted to open and some sporting venues will be allowed to welcome spectators (up to 10,000 in biggest venues).

Up to 30 people will be allowed to attend a wedding.

Social contact restrictions eased

From 21 June at the earliest, all remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted.

Larger events are also likely to go ahead from this date, and nightclubs could finally reopen.

Again, this depends on the four tests set out by the government being met.

Foreign travel

International travel rules are to be reviewed separately, with 17 May listed as the earliest possible date for a foreign holiday.

A further piece of work to conclude by 21 June will examine social distancing requirements – including hugs with friends and relatives – the use of face masks and requirements to work from home.

What do the experts say?

Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said the government will have to leave room for “highly local” interventions.

Fellow Sage member Professor John Edmunds has said rapid easing could lead to a surge in hospital admissions “and indeed deaths”, and placed emphasis on vaccinations.

Additional reporting by PA