ON MONDAY, coronavirus restrictions will be easing in England.

From March 8, lockdown rules will be relaxed so that pupils can return to the classroom for the first time in two months and groups of two can meet up socially.

Boris Johnson announced the ‘road map’ out of lockdown last month.

Here are the changes from Monday:

Going outside

People can now spend time outside socially with one other person. 

It is currently illegal to meet up with anybody outside of your household or support bubble socially but rules mean you can leave your house for exercise with one other person.

From Monday those rules will be relaxed so you can leave your home for a drink or picnic (or any other social activity outside) with one friend. 

It is illegal to meet up socially indoors. 

Schools and university

All students will begin to return to face-to-face teaching for the first time since January 4.

Primary and secondary school staff will need to take two rapid Covid-19 tests each week at home. 

All secondary school and college students will need to take three Covid-19 tests as they return to the classroom from Monday. They will then be given two rapid tests to use each week at home.

University students on practical courses who need to access specialist facilities and equipment can return to campus. 

Other university students are expected to return by the end of the Easter Holidays. 

Afterschool clubs will reopen and children’s activities can restart where it helps parents to work, study, go to a medical appointment or support group.

Holidays

There are still restrictions on international travel and going on a holiday is not a permitted reason to leave your house.

Those who need to leave the UK from March 8 will legally have to complete a declaration form ahead of departure to say where they are going and why.

Care homes

From Monday every care home resident in England will be able to nominate one named visitor who can come in for a regular visit. 

The visitor will need to take a rapid test every time they visit, wear PPE and keep physical contact to a minimum.

Events and ceremonies

Funerals can take place with 30 people.

Weddings and wakes can take place with six people.

Reasons you can leave your house

The government is still urging people to stay at home but there are some reasons you can leave the house including:

  • going to work, if you cannot work from home 
  • going to the doctors or getting medical help 
  • fleeing from injury, risk of harm or domestic abuse
  • going shopping for essentials
  • meeting up with your support bubble or childcare bubble

The government has said that everybody must stay in their local area which means stay in the village, town, or part of the city where you live.

The clinically extremely vulnerable have been advised to only go out for medical appointments, exercise or if it is essential. 

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