June 21, 2021 is likely to be a date few of us will forget in future years, after Boris Johnson announced it could mark the end of all current COVID-19 restrictions if infections and hospitalisations continue to fall.
The so-called ‘independence day’ will come after the phased return of schools on March 8 – the first step in the Prime Minister’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown.
The government says students’ return is timed with all four top priority groups receiving their vaccinations.
From the same date, wraparound childcare will also return for those who need to return to work or education, seek medical care or attend a support group. A key change in care home policy will allow one regular visitor as long as they wear PPE.
People will still be told to stay at home, but they will be allowed to meet with one other person or their support bubble, outside, for a coffee or picnic.
March 29 will see outdoor gatherings of six people or two households allowed again, including in private gardens, and outdoor sports.
Hairdressers, swimming pools and gyms will open from April 12, and pubs and restaurants but only for outdoor service.
Larger events will be allowed from May 17 onward, with all limits removed by June 21, when it is hoped nightclubs will be back and all limits on social contact lifted. All of these steps are subject to be pushed back if the R number, and number of new cases and impact of the variant, mutated viruses cause alarm.
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If you are a business owner planning a big comeback and finding creative ways to keep running outdoors and within the lockdown restrictions, let us know.
We want to hear what plans you have for the run up to the end of lockdown email editor@southwarknews.co.uk
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