LOCKDOWN rules will be easing again from May 17 - if all goes to plan. 

Boris Johnson put the country into a third lockdown in January.

Rules were first eased on March 8 when pupils returned to the classroom for the first time this year and groups of two were able to meet up socially.

On March 29, groups of six were allowed to meet up outdoors and outside sport kickstarted again.

Shops were allowed to reopen on April 12 and rules were relaxed so that pubs and restaurants could serve customers outside. 

Read the current rules here>>>

Here are the rules changing in step three of the 'roadmap out of lockdown', which will be no earlier than May 17: 

Meeting socially

  • Groups of 30 can meet up outside legally.
  • Inside, the Rule of 6 or two households will apply. This means that no more than six people from different households can spend time together in a house, or two households - which might mean more than six people. 
  • Social distancing will be relaxed so people can start hugging again.

Business and activities

  • Most businesses will be able to reopen.
  • Indoor hospitality will reopen and venues will not have to serve a 'substantial meal' will alcohol or have a curfew, like when restrictions were eased last year after the second lockdown. 
  • Customers at restaurants, pubs and bars sitting inside will have to order, eat and drink while seated. 
  • Indoor entertainment venues like cinemas and children's play areas will reopen.
  • Hotels, hostels and B&Bs will also be allowed to open. 
  • Sports classes and group sports can also continue.
  • Larger performances and sporting events with 1,000 people or a half-full indoor venue (whichever is the lower number) will have the green light as well as outside venues with a capacity of 4,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).

Events

Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. This limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.

Next review

By Step 4, which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government plan on removing all legal limits on social contact.

Before then, it will review social distancing and other long-term measures like wearing a mask, keeping a 1m distance and working from home. 

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