The next stage of lockdown easing
We’ve made it! After a long winter of draconian restrictions, we can now relax inside our favourite pub or restaurant, with a plate of delicious grub and a refreshing pint! That’s right – as of Monday 17 May, England entered Step Three of the Government’s roadmap.
This has been the biggest easing of lockdown restrictions since the summer, with hospitality fully open and indoor mixing allowed (albeit limited to groups of six people or two households). Thanks to this, Britain’s high streets are once again bustling with life with all businesses welcoming customers this week, whilst closely adhering to the Government’s safety guidelines.
In this week’s blog, we’ve compiled a list of the things you can and can’t do as we enter Stage Three!
Social distancing
After a year of restrictive social distancing rules – at last, families and friends across the country can hug each other. Despite this, the Prime Minister has urged people to “cuddle cautiously”, leaving it to the individual to use their common sense and logically assess the risk involved in each interaction.
On the whole, social distancing remains key in the fight against the virus. Government restrictions state that you still have to remain socially distanced at work, school and with anyone other than the people you are meeting up with. In a restaurant, for example, you must maintain a social distance from other diners not in your company.
Face masks
Alongside social distancing, face coverings are still mandatory (unless you are considered exempt) in all public settings where social distancing can and cannot be followed. However, they can be removed when sitting at a table in a pub or restaurant and, from this week, students will be allowed to take off their masks while in classrooms.
Gatherings
People can now meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 – anymore than this will remain illegal. This applies to all life events including weddings, funerals, christenings and bar mitzvahs.
You can finally have your friends over or visit them at their house! Although the current number of people is capped at six from mixed households, but is unlimited from two households.
Holidays
For those raring to jet off overseas, you’ll be glad to know that non-essential international travel is back! You can travel to green-list countries without quarantining, these include; Portugal, Iceland, Gibraltar, the Faroe Islands, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Brunei. PCR tests must be taken when travelling to any country.
However, amber or red list countries are restricted for only essential trips. British and Irish nationals or UK residents returning from these locations must go into a Government-approved quarantine hotel for 10 days at a price of £1,750 per person.
Pubs, Bars & Restaurants
Of course, everyone has been particularly excited for the return of indoor hospitality! Simply sign in with the NHS track and trace app and you can sit inside your favourite pub, restaurant or cafe – meaning you no longer need to worry about the temperamental British weather!
If you’re looking to dine out, it’s important to remember that you can’t book in groups of more than six from multiple households. In coherence with Government advice, customers will have to order from their table and face coverings should also be worn whenever not seated.
Cordis
Finding your groove after months of lockdown can be challenging. This is not the time to be shy! With a significant part of the year lost to lockdown and COVID-19, you’re going to need high visibility to recover some of those lost sales.
Cordis can help you embrace online and offline channels and establish a post lockdown marketing strategy that will allow you to pick up the working rhythm again. With expertise in brand strategy, social media, websites, graphics, videography, augmented reality and events – we can help your business find firm footing in the post-pandemic world!