The government has announced a plan to get the UK out of lockdown by late June this year. Heralded as the ‘roadmap out of lockdown’, the four-step plan is set to begin on March 8 and will see restrictions gradually relaxed until a full return to ‘normal’ on June 21.
What’s happening?
The UK has been subject to lockdown restrictions for the best part of 12 months – and in full lockdown for a large proportion of that time – but it seems that there could be light at the end of the tunnel.
But with this latest round of lockdowns and the vaccine roll out helping to bring infection rates down, the government has this week unveiled its plan to get us all out of lockdown as quickly as possible.
The lifting of restrictions is set to begin on March 8, when the kids can start going back to school and we can all meet one other person outdoors. By March 29 this is extended to six people outdoors, and the restrictions lift gradually as we move into summer.
In the meantime, we all need to keep doing our bit, as the easing of restrictions are subject to the following four key tests:
- The vaccine program continues to roll out as planned
- Evidence must show that vaccines are effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths
- Infection rates don’t rise and risk a surge in hospitalisations
- The risk of new variants must not increase
Below are the key dates to keep in mind.
What are the key dates on the roadmap out of lockdown?
Our handy table outlines the key dates as we ease our way out of lockdown.
| Step | Date | Education | Social Contact | Business & Activities | Travel and Events |
| Step One (a) | March 8
|
Schools and colleges open | Two people can meet outdoors
|
Wraparound care, including sport, for all children
|
Stay at home
No holidays 30 people at funerals Six people at weddings and wakes |
| Step One (b) | March 29 | Wraparound care (including sport) for all children | Rules of Six for two households outdoors | Organised outdoor sport (children and adults) allowed
Outdoor sport and leisure facilities to open |
Minimal travel
Still no holidays |
| Step 2 | No earlier than April 12 | As above | As above | All retail to reopen
Salons, hairdressers and personal care Most outdoor attractions Indoor leisure, including gyms Outdoor hospitality |
Domestic overnight stays (same household only) |
| Step 3 | No earlier than May 17 | As above | Maximum of 30 people outdoors
Rule of Six or two households indoors |
Indoor hospitality to reopen
Indoor entertainment and attractions Organised indoor sport (adults) Remaining accommodation Remaining outdoor entertainment (including performances) |
Domestic overnight stays
International travel (subject to review) 30 people at occasions for most significant life events 1,000 or 50% capacity at indoor events 10,000 or 25% capacity at outdoor seated events 4,000 or 50% capacity at other outdoor events |
| Step 4 | No earlier than June 21 | As above | No legal limits | Remaining businesses, including nightclubs | International travel
No legal limit on life events Larger events |
