Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions
On 22nd February, the roadmap for exiting the current lockdown restrictions was announced.
Below are the details for the four stages of the roadmap and what they mean for your business.
Step 1: 8th March & 29th March
On the 8th March, with children returning to school, wraparound care for all children (including sport) will be permitted.
On the 29th March the following businesses can reopen:
- Organised outdoor sports
- Outdoor sport and leisure facilities
- All outdoor children’s activities
- Outdoor parent and child group (up to 15 parents)
- Funerals can have up to 30 attendees
- Weddings and wakes can have up to 6 attendees
Step 2: No earlier than 12 April
Subject to reviews, the following businesses can reopen:
- All retail
- All personal care
- Libraries and community centres
- Most outdoor attractions
- Indoor leisure facilities, including gyms
- Self-contained accommodation
- All children’s activities
- Outdoor hospitality
- Indoor parent and child groups
- Funerals can have up to 30 attendees
- Weddings, wakes and wedding receptions can have up to 15
Step 3: No earlier than 17 May
Subject to reviews, the following businesses can reopen:
- Indoor hospitality
- Indoor entertainment and attractions
- Organised indoor sport
- All accommodation providers
- All outdoor entertainment (including live performances)
- Significant life events can have up to 30
- Indoor events can have 1,000 guests or 50%
- Outdoor seated events can have 10,000 guests or 25%
- Outdoor non-seated events can have 4,000 guests or 50%
Step 4: No earlier than 21 June
Subject to reviews, the following is permitted:
- The reopening of all remaining businesses, including nightclubs
- International travel
- Life events with no social limit
- Larger events
The progression of these steps is reliant on the COVID-19 data at the time of each review. The assessment will be based on the following four points:
1. The vaccine deployment programme continuing successfully.
2. Evidence showing vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
3. Infection rates not risking a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
4. Assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of concern.
If you require any further assistance to help your business restart or recover, speak to one of our Growth Hub advisers about the support that could be available to you.
To find out about the financial support available to you during this time, visit this page.