As we see further easing of Covid restrictions across the UK on 29 March 2021 we consider the next stages of the Prime Minister’s roadmap which sees us living without restrictions from 21 June 2021.
COVID-19 Update | Rosenblatt’s Financial Crime Team
Covid restrictions in the UK started loosening on 8 March 2021 when the UK saw its school children return to the classroom and reintroduced care home visits.
Boris Johnson announced several key steps to easing us out of lockdown with five-week intervals between each stage. The five-week interval has been introduced to allow ministers and scientists to monitor the effects of gradually increasing the number of households mixing, whilst also providing sufficient notice to the businesses and sectors that are due to reopen.
The key stages being:
Monday 29 March 2021
From 29 March the rule of six will return, which permits a maximum of any six people to gather in an outdoor setting for walks or picnics. A new household rule has also been introduced which allows a maximum of two households to gather outside without any limit on the number of people.
Outdoor sports and leisure will also reopen, including, outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and organised group exercise such as outdoor exercise classes.
This date also marks the end of the “stay at home” rule, although people are still being encouraged to work at home and minimise travel as much as possible. International travel will continue to be banned in most circumstances and pursuant to our earlier article, as of 29 March individuals can now be fined £5,000 for travelling abroad without a reasonable excuse
(https://www.rosenblatt-law.co.uk/media/covid-19-5000-fine-for-foreign-holidays-rosenblatts-financial-crime-team/).
The rules governing religious worship and funerals will not change but weddings will no longer be limited to just exceptional circumstances, however their attendance will be subject to the rule of six.
Monday 12 April 2021
By no earlier than 12 April we are due to see the hospitality sector, including pubs and restaurants reopen their outdoor areas, with the rule of six or new two-household rule in force.
The old rules mandating a 10pm curfew and restricting the consumption of alcohol to only those enjoying a substantial meal will not be returning. Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen without curfews but their customers must be seated.
We will also see the return of non-essential retail, hairdressers, barbers and nail salons with gyms, zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas, public libraries, community centres and self-contained holiday accommodations also due to reopen.
From this date, funerals will be allowed to take place with a maximum of 30 people and weddings will continue with an increased limit of 15 attendees.
Monday 17 May 2021
From May gatherings of up to 30 people will be permitted outdoors, however the rule of six and two-household rule will apply to all those choosing to gather indoors. This date marks the first time this year that multiple households will be allowed to meet indoors again.
Pubs and restaurants can reopen indoors as can cinemas, children’s play areas, hotels and B&Bs.
Controlled indoor events with up to 1,000 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity, whichever is lower will be permitted as will outdoor events with a capacity of 50% or up to 4,000 people, whichever is lower.
The government will also be introducing a special provision for large outdoor, seated venues where crowds can be safely distributed, allowing the lower of 10,000 people or 25% of total seating capacity.
Weddings, funerals, receptions and commemorative events will all be permitted with up 30 attendees. We will also see a broader range of other events returning, namely bar mitzvahs and christenings.
Monday 21 June 2021
All legal limits on social contact are set to be lifted no earlier than 21 June. Once social distancing is completely eased nightclubs should be able to open and restrictions on events and live performances including weddings will finally be lifted.
However, these dates should be relied upon with caution. The government has repeatedly stressed that this timeline is dependent on Covid infections and death rates staying down as people begin mixing in various settings. These dates remain provisional and we may see delays if the third wave expected to hit Europe also reaches us.
Rosenblatt can help
Rosenblatt has a wealth of experience in criminal law and is uniquely placed to support client’s crime needs during these unprecedented times, consistently ensuring a familiarity with the ever-changing Government guidance on COVID-19.
https://www.rosenblatt-law.co.uk/services/financial-crime/#financial-crime
