What are we allowed to do on 21st June when lockdown eases?

The rules about lockdown are going to change on 21st June 2021, so here is everything you need to know about how the regulations are going to change. 

On 22nd February 2021, the government announced a roadmap that would ease the lockdown restrictions that are in place.

This means that from Monday 21st June, the restrictions regarding lockdown in the UK will be revised. So here are all the possible questions that you might have about what the 21st June means for those of us in the UK…

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Who can I meet up with from 21st June?

The government regulations suggest that by the 21st June there will no longer be any restriction to social contact.

The government website states, "By Step 4 which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact."

It is unclear whether this will happen as there has been a lot of discussions about a potential third wave of the Pandemic. Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock told the BBC that the government is currently in a "wait and see" phase before they commit to delaying any plans. 

The Health Secretary said, “I’m increasingly confident we’re on track for the road map because this data shows the vaccine after two doses works just as effectively, and we all know that the vaccine is our way out of this.”

On the 14th June, the government will confirm the plans about lifting restrictions, therefore Britons must wait until this date to confirm the changes to social contact rules. 

Which businesses will be open from 21st June?

Various businesses reopened following the change of restrictions on Monday 17th May 2021. The government announced at the time, “Most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen.” 

Now following the change of restrictions on 21st June, all businesses in the UK are expected to open, although restrictions about masks and social distancing may still be in place depending on the government findings ahead of 21st June.

Which events can I attend from 21st June?

The government announced, "We hope to reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3."

However they also revealed that this will be subject to the result of the pilot events that have taken place that were used to test and map the spread of Covid-19 following large events. 

From May 17th the government announced that sporting and entertainment events would be open at a reduced capacity. The guidelines stated that larger events would be allowed to take place at indoor venues at either a capacity of 1,000 or half full, whichever number is lowest.

Similarly, outdoor events will now take place and are allowed a capacity of 4,000 or half full—whichever number is lowest. 

The guidelines also state that larger outdoor seated events that allow fans to be spread out, will have a capacity of 10,000, or a quarter full—whichever is lowest.

It is unclear if these restrictions will be lifted entirely on the 21st June but hopes are that events will be able to take indoors normally and restrictions will be fully lifted.

Can I travel from 21st June?

Yes travel abroad is now acceptable if you are travelling to countries that are on the UK's green travel list. 

UK staycations are a good option too due to the limited number of countries on the green list. Airbnb's, self-catered holidays, and hotels are also open for those who wish to holiday in the UK. 

What is the government advice at the end of the roadmap?

Although the four-stage roadmap may finish on 21st June, the government does advise that people in the UK remain alert about the Covid-19 virus. 

The government website states, "We must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar."