​Every Lockdown Change That Is Happening In England From 29 March

The next stage of the government's 'roadmap' out of lockdown comes into effect in England from today (29 March), meaning the Stay at Home order has now been lifted and we can meet up - either as a group of up to six, or from two households - among other things.

You may recall that, earlier this month, schools and colleges were able to reopen, along with Higher Education practical courses at universities.

From 8 March, we've also been allowed to meet up with one other person from outside our household to socialise (rather than only to exercise, as before), while care home residents are now permitted to have one regular visitor.

Now, things are changing again to allow for further freedoms, including outdoor sports and hanging out in someone's garden.

The restrictions are gradually being listed across England at the same time - unlike with the previous tier system, which saw rules change regionally.

Here's what's changed:

UK Government

Social Contact

Some of the main developments will affect how we can socialise, with outdoor gatherings of up to six people or from two households allowed to hang out, including in parks or in gardens.

Downing Street previously confirmed to LADbible that the Rule of Six applies to an unlimited number of households, although obviously only up to six people can meet.

With the two household rule, you can exceed six people, so long as you are all from no more than two homes.

For example, a family of five will be able to meet up with a family of three as they are considered two households.

Or, if there six different households meeting up, you can only have one person from each home.

Whichever option you follow, you must still maintain social distancing from those outside of your household.

PA

"The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors," the government website says.

"And this is why from 29 March, when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will also be allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside."

There are no changes to support bubbles; those eligible to form one will still be able to do so.

Outdoor Leisure

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts or open-air swimming pools will be able to reopen.

People can also take part in 'formally organised outdoor sports' with 'any number of people'.

PA

Travel

At this point, the Stay at Home order will be lifted, although many restrictions will remain in place.

For instance, people should continue to work from home if they can, and minimise the number of journeys they make - avoiding travel at the busiest times and on busiest routes, if possible.

Travel abroad will still be prohibited (other than for a small number of permitted reasons), meaning international holidays still won't be allowed.

"It will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme," the government explains.

PA

Other

Childcare and supervised activities will be allowed outdoors for all children, including 'formally organised parent and child groups', which can take place outside for up to 15 attendees (excluding children under five, who will not be counted towards this number).

After 29 March

The government will continue to ease restrictions based on the assessment of four areas:

• The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
• Assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.

Step Two will be introduced no earlier than 12 April, with changes including the opening of non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality venues.

The government has also launched a new taskforce to review global travel, which will report on 12 April.

Find more information from the government website here.

Topics: UK News, lockdown, News

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman