UK Lockdown Roadmap: Widespread joy as the rule of six returns today

It's been almost three months since the UK entered its third national lockdown, back in the first week of January this year. Not exactly the great start to 2021 that everyone was hoping for, we think you'll agree. Thankfully however, after 12 agonising weeks of nail biting worry, it looks as though our combined lockdown efforts are finally beginning to pay off. The glimmer of light at the end of the long tunnel continues to get brighter and brighter...

Succeeding the first checkpoint in the UK governments roadmap out of lockdown, allowing students to return to school on Monday 8th March, the restrictions that have seen much of Britain shuttered, that have placed us all in what has seemed like perpetual quarantine since March 2020, have been eased once again today.

The achieved target means some social contact with our dearly missed loved ones, albeit minimal, will be permitted outdoors, whilst meeting indoors and the reopening of the hospitality sector still remains off the cards just yet. 

Read on below to discover what exactly todays relaxing of the rules means for you...

Monday 29th March 2021:

The rule of six returns - People are allowed to meet up in private gardens in groups of up to six, or as two separate households, whilst still maintaining social distancing

The 'Stay At Home' rule has now ended - Official advice from the Government states that people should still stay local

Outdoor sports facilities can now reopen - Golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts and outdoor swimming pools can be utilised once more

Formally organised outdoor sports can resume - team sports such as football and rugby, and outdoor exercise classes etc, can take place again as long rules on social distancing and contact are maintained before and after each session

Weddings can now take place and can be attended by up to six people

Holidays away from home are still forbidden

The next date earmarked in the lockdown roadmap is Monday 12th April. If the four-pronged safety criteria is met - which includes the successful continuation of the vaccine program, the reduction in the number of hospitalisations and deaths, the lowering of the infection rate, and suppressing of new variants and the risks they pose - the public could see even further easing of restrictions. This round of mitigation would see the return of beer gardens, hairdressers, beauty salons, gyms, theme parks and more. Keep those fingers crossed everyone!

So, what have you got planned for the upcoming Easter break now that restrictions have been softened? Maybe a small outdoor get together? A couple of socially distanced drinks around the socially distanced BBQ perhaps? Rain, sleet, snow, thunder, hail... whatever the weathers got in store, we don't care. You'll most likely find us in the garden this weekend. 

If you're planning a somewhat responsible private garden gathering, why not set the mood with our Rule of Six - Garden Party Playlist below...

No garden party plans? Take a look at some of the many fantastic socially distant events happening where you are, throughout the coming bank holiday weekend - here, or head to our Things To Do page for even more event inspiration, and begin planning for the next ease in restrictions.