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Coronavirus: A full list of lockdown rules that are changing in England

All four UK nations are continuing to loosen their lockdown measures to allow people more freedom.

All four UK nations are continuing to loosen their lockdown measures to allow people more freedom.

However, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ from each other as they make their own decisions on what can be eased in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.

Each government's measures need to be reviewed every three weeks by law and are each based on scientific advice, such as keeping "the R number" below one.

ENGLAND

Boris Johnson has detailed extra powers for ministers and local councils to act on outbreaks, but he also revealed key dates for more reopenings in England.

From 17 July:

Advice to avoid using public transport was lifted, allowing people to make non-essential journeys on buses and trains

From 25 July:

  • Gyms, fitness centres, indoor pools and dance studios can reopen

From 1 August:

  • Employers can discuss with staff whether it is safe to return to their workplace
  • Most remaining leisure centres can reopen
  • Indoor performances with live audiences - including in theatres and sports stadiums - can resume if pilots are successful
  • Wedding receptions for up to 30 people can resume
  • Bowling lanes, skating rinks, casinos and beauticians can reopen as long as they have measures in place to reduce COVID-19 transmission

From October:

  • Audiences may be able to return to sports stadiums following pilot projects
  • Conferences and business events may be allowed to restart

From November:

  • Social distancing measures may be eased if the prevalence of Covid-19 falls significantly

What restrictions are still in place?

  • People still can't hug their loved ones and are expected to maintain social distancing with other groups
  • Nightclubs and soft play areas must remain closed for now

What is already allowed:

  • Beauticians, tattooists, spas and tanning salons can open, but with restrictions for high-contact treatments
  • Go to outdoor swimming pools, but in reduced numbers
  • Attend outdoor theatre, opera, dance and music performances and classes
  • Club level cricket can be played again
  • Visit pubs and restaurants, while observing social distancing
  • Get a haircut
  • Go on holiday in self-contained accommodation or go to a leisure facility, such as a theme park
  • Visit community centres
  • Gather in groups of up to six people in public or private outdoor spaces, as long as social distancing was practised
  • Visit non-essential shops
  • Play sports such as tennis and football with the people that they meet, but only if it is possible to keep a two-metre distance
  • Return to school if they are in reception, Year 1, Year 6 or of nursery age - despite teaching unions expressing serious doubts
  • Meet loved ones if they had been "shielding" from the virus
  • Visit outdoor retail spaces such as outdoor markets and car showrooms where social distancing can be observed
  • Return home from university if it was a permanent move
  • Go to property viewings in person and visit agents for both sales and rentals
  • Invite nannies and childminders to come to their house to look after children, provided good public health measures are adhered to
  • Form a "support bubble" with one other household - meeting inside and staying overnight - if they live alone or are a single parent with a child under 18

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