Step 2 - Easing of Covid Restrictions

We wish all our clients that are re-opening today the very best of luck!

In Step 2 of the roadmap out of lockdown more businesses are permitted to reopen with social distance rules still applying, these include:

• Non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers, beauty and nail salons; and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas (but not including saunas and steam rooms, which are due to open at Step 3).

• Overnight stays away from home in England will be permitted and self-contained accommodation can also reopen, though must only be used by members of the same household or support bubble.

• Public buildings such as libraries and community centres will also reopen.

• The majority of outdoor settings and attractions can also reopen, including outdoor hospitality, zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances events.

• Hospitality venues will be able to open for outdoor service, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol, and no curfew. The requirement to eat and drink while seated will remain.

• People should continue to work from home where they can, and minimise domestic travel where they can. International holidays are still illegal.

• The number of care home visitors will also increase to two per resident, and all children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity, including sport, regardless of circumstance.

• Parent and child groups of up to 15 people (not counting children aged under five years old) can restart indoors.

• Funerals can continue with up to 30 attendees. Weddings, outdoor receptions, and commemorative events including wakes will be able to take place with up to 15 attendees (in premises that are permitted to open).

Before proceeding to this step, the government studied the latest data to assess the impact of the first step, which began when schools reopened on 8 March.

The assessment was based on four tests:

• 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.

• Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.