Further lockdown restrictions across the country are easing today
Author: Sophie ParsonsPublished on May 17, 2021
Last updated on May 17, 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public to proceed cautiously as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.
It does so amid concerns over increased transmission of the Indian variant of the coronavirus in the UK, with mass testing taking place at hotspots across the country.
With lockdown restrictions easing across the UK today, millions of people can visit limited numbers of friends and family, go to pubs and restaurants and hug their loved ones.
Foreign travel is also permitted under the government’s traffic light system.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Boris Johnson welcomed the progress the country has made in reaching another “milestone on our roadmap outside the lockdown” but urged people to proceed “with great caution”.
He added, “Everyone must do their part to ensure that they get tested twice a week, get on a call for your vaccine, and remember their hands, face, space and fresh air.”
The Prime Minister also urged caution when hugging loved ones after the government warned last week that it is now safe: “Please be careful about the risks to your loved ones. Remember, close contact like that Hugging a direct route is from transmitting this disease so you should think about the risks.
“Think about whether they are vaccinated and whether the vaccine has time to take effect.”
Here are all of the changes taking place in England today:
May 17th: indoor mixing
Starting May 17, two households or groups of up to six people can mingle indoors. People are allowed to stay overnight with people who are not in the household or in the bladder.
May 17th: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants, can reopen from May 17th.
May 17th: the cinemas reopen
From May 17th, the cinemas will also reopen, along with indoor soft play areas for children.
May 17th: trips abroad
Foreign travel is permitted from May 17th.
May 17th: Hugs are allowed
Boris Johnson has confirmed that we will be able to hug our loved ones starting May 17, but experts have urged the public to remain vigilant and think carefully about who we are hugging.
May 17th: indoor exercise classes
Indoor sports and exercise courses can resume from May 17th.
May 17th: the museums reopen
Indoor entertainment can be open from Monday, including museums.
May 17th: Bigger events
Some larger events, including concerts, theater performances, and sporting events, may resume from Monday, but the number of attendees will remain.
May 17th: No masks in secondary schools
Students in secondary schools and colleges will no longer have to wear masks in classrooms or common rooms from Monday.
May 17: Universities return to face-to-face teaching
All university students can teach face-to-face again from Monday.
May 17th: 30 guests can attend weddings
Up to 30 guests can now attend weddings, receptions, and memorial services such as guards.
May 17: The number of nursing home visitors is increasing
Nursing home residents can have 5 named visitors as of Monday. Two visitors can visit at the same time, provided they tested negative. Nursing home residents can also leave nursing homes without being isolated upon return.
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