The government has announced that the Roadmap is on track and planned Step 3 easements will go ahead on Monday 17 May. The majority of the indoor and remaining outdoor economy can reopen, and gathering limits will increase indoors and outdoors.

The government advises that the data shows the “four tests” for easing restrictions to have been met. Infection rates are now at their lowest level since September, while hospital admissions and patients in hospital continue to decrease - with levels now similar to July last year. The following will apply from 17 May;

• Indoor hospitality can reopen and indoor entertainment can resume, including cinemas, museums, and children’s play areas.
• Up to SIX people or TWO households will be able to meet indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.
• All remaining outdoor entertainment can reopen, such as outdoor cinemas and performances. Some larger events will be able to take place, including conferences, theatre and concert performances, and sports events. Restrictions on the number of attendees will remain as set out in the Roadmap.
• Guidance on meeting family and friends will be updated, but essentially the governemnt says the public can make informed, personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with their friends and family. Close contact continues to carry a risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, and people must consider the risk to themselves and to others.
• COVID-secure rules remain for the workplace and businesses, such as in shops and hospitality.
• International travel can begin to ‘green’ list countries. Strict border control measures will remain in place, including pre-departure tests and a PCR test on or before day two of their arrival back in the UK.
• Face coverings will no longer be needed in classrooms or for students in communal areas in secondary schools and colleges. Twice weekly home testing will remain to control infection rates.
• All remaining university students will be eligible to return to in-person teaching and learning, and should get tested twice a week upon return.
• Up to 30 people will now be able to attend weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including wakes, as well as standalone life-cycle events. These can take place outdoors or at any indoor Covid secure venue that is permitted to open. The number of people able to attend a funeral will be determined by the number that can be safely accommodated in the venue with social distancing in place.
• 30 people will be able to attend a support group or parent and child group. The limit will not apply to children under five.
• Organised adult sport and exercise classes can resume indoors and saunas and steam rooms may reopen.
• Care homes residents will be able to have up to five named visitors, with two visitors able to attend at once provided they are tested and follow infection control measures. Residents will also have greater freedoms to leave their home without having to isolate on their return.

The government advice here will be updated.