The Prime Minister has announced a sensible, structured and achievable exit strategy to help the country leave lockdown.

After the first stage which begins on the 8th March, further lifting of the rules will happen if certain conditions are met; for example, the vaccine rollout continuing effectively. The aim is for all restrictions to be lifted, which will happen by 21 June at the earliest.

• March 8th:
  • School returns
  • Outdoor socialising relaxed to allow adults to meet for coffee or drink in a one-to-one scenario
• March 29th:
  • Rule of six or two households in public spaces or private gardens
  • Legal “Stay at Home” order will end
  • Government urging to work from home where possible will continue
• No earlier than April 12th:
  • Outdoor pub and restaurant serving only with no curfew or substantial meal rules
  • Non-essential shops to re-open
  • Hairdressers to re-open
  • Personal beauty shops to re-open
  • Libraries and museums to re-open
  • Gyms and leisure centres to re-open for single adults
  • Holiday lets
  • Driving lessons can resume
• No earlier than May 17th:
  • Indoor mixing allowed again, with rule of six
  • Pubs and restaurants indoor service re-opens
  • Cinemas re-open
  • Rule of six abandoned outdoors, restricted to 30
  • Sporting venues will reopen
• No earlier than June 21st:
  • All legal limits mixing
  • Large events and performances will be allowed again
  • No limits on weddings or other life events