Following the UK Government’s confirmation of the move to Step Three of its roadmap from Monday 17th May, and the reopening of more businesses, people are being advised to keep following the current rules until they change. Currently people can only socialise indoors with those they live with, or who are in their support bubble. It is also possible to meet outside in groups of up to six people, or two households. People are also asked to work from home if they can, and to minimise travel.
However, from Monday 17th May, restrictions will now be further eased. This means that some limits on seeing friends and family will be lifted, so that indoors, the Rule of Six or two households will now be permitted. Restrictions on meeting outdoors will also be lifted, although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
In addition to this, most remaining businesses can reopen, including indoor hospitality businesses such as pubs and restaurants; indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas; and hotels and B&Bs. Indoor hospitality venues must have new COVID-secure measures in place from 17th May, and businesses can only cater for groups of six people or two households. Venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; nor will there be a curfew, but customers will have to order, eat and drink while seated.
Funeral venues will be allowed to decide how many mourners they can accommodate, adhering to social distancing rules. Up to 30 people will be allowed to attend wakes. A maximum of 30 people will be able to attend weddings and receptions: this limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.
However, it is vital that the nation carries on following the current Government guidance, as this will help to keep the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Wiltshire down and save lives. If everyone keeps playing their part, it’s much more likely that there will be better news in June, when it is hoped that the nation can move to Step Four of the roadmap.
Here is a summary of changes from Monday 17th May
Hugging
People can hug loved ones they don’t live if with they think it is safe to do so, but are still advised to keep 1.5 metres away from strangers.
Meeting indoors
People can meet indoors in groups of six or two households of any size.
Overnight stays
Overnight stays will be allowed.
Groups outdoors
Bigger outdoor gatherings will be allowed, with groups of up to 30 people. Social distancing will still need to be in place for these gatherings.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes indoors
Pubs, restaurants and cafes can welcome customers back inside. They will need to offer table service only, with the rule of six people or two households of any size.
Domestic holidays
People can go on domestic holidays with friends and family they do not live with, provided they stick to the rule of six or two households.
Foreign travel
Foreign travel will be allowed from Monday 17th May, but there will be a traffic light system for international travel, and you must follow the rules when returning to England depending on whether you return from a red, amber or green list country.
Funerals
Funeral attendance will no longer be limited to 30 people, but will be determined by how many people the COVID-secure venue can safely accommodate with social distancing. Up to 30 people can attend a wake.
Weddings, Ceremonies
Restrictions for weddings remain the same. Only 30 people are allowed to attend indoor ceremonies and receptions in COVID-secure venues.
Big events
Indoor events such as concerts will be allowed with a capacity limit of 1,000 or 50% – whichever is smaller.
Outdoor events will be permitted to welcome up to 4,000 people or operate at 50% capacity. Seated outdoor events will be allowed 10,000 people or 25% capacity.
Cinemas, museums, theatres and children’s indoor play areas
Visitors will need to follow social distancing rules and wear face masks.
Saunas and steam rooms
These will be allowed to reopen.
Indoor group sports and exercise
Exercise classes and indoor group sports can resume, but must be organised by a business, public body or charity and the organiser must take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
Accommodation
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs will reopen from Monday 17 th May.
Care homes
Rules for care home residents going out and receiving visitors will change, allowing up to five named visitors (two at any one time), provided visitors test negative for COVID-19.
Work for home
This advice remains in place.
Public transport
Social distancing guidance remains the same.
Travel
Travel safety and plan ahead remains the message.
Face masks in school
Removed face masks for children and teachers when in class.
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