Further lifting of lockdown rules in England

    Further lifting of lockdown rules in England has been confirmed by the prime minister. Having friends over and drinking inside a pub are among the changes that are here now.

    What's changing from Monday 17 May in England?

    Meeting up

    • People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
    • Six people or two households can meet indoors, with overnight stays allowed
    • Up to 30 people can attend weddings, receptions and other life events
    • Number of people who can attend a funeral no longer capped, but determined by the size of the venue
    • Up to 30 allowed to attend a support group or parent-and-child group (not counting under fives)
    • Care home residents allowed up to five named visitors and more freedom for visits out of the home
    • Social distancing with close family and friends will be a matter of personal judgement. But people are asked to remain cautious around close contact, like hugging.
    • Social distancing will remain in place in social care, medical, retail, hospitality and business settings

    Leisure and entertainment

    • Pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to open indoors
    • Indoor entertainment such as museums, cinemas and children's play areas can open
    • Theatres, concert halls, conference centres and sports stadiums can all reopen
    • Organised adult sports and exercise classes can restart indoors
    • Steam rooms and saunas may reopen
    • Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen

    Education

    • Face coverings no longer recommended in secondary schools for pupils
    • All remaining university students eligible to return to in-person teaching

    Travel

    • People will be able to travel abroad to green list countries without having to quarantine when they return

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