Covid 19 Latest Guidance to the public on what they can and can not do after 17th May

Last night the Prime Minister confirmed the movement to Stage 3 of the roadmap at the Downing Street press conference and as is now the norm we have today the latest version of the government’s guidance to the general public on what they can and cannot do.

The Guidance has a helpful section which sets out the changes from the 17th May.

It starts with a point lost in the excitement that-

“You should continue to work from home if you can. When travelling within the UK, you should aim to do so safely and plan your journey in advance.” Which means city and town centre venues will still miss out on a lot of their lunch time trade.

Also, that there will be new Guidance on meeting friends and family, which will emphasise personal responsibility rather than government rules. In the new Guidance the instruction is to stay 2m apart from anyone you don’t live with, the public are encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19.

This sits against the confirmation as follows:-

• Gathering limits will be eased. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 30 people and indoor gatherings will be limited to 6 people or 2 households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible).
• Indoor entertainment and attractions such as cinemas, theatres, concert halls, bowling alleys, casinos, amusement arcades, museums and children’s indoor play areas will be permitted to open with COVID-secure measures in place.
• People will be able to attend indoor and outdoor events, including live performances, sporting events and business events. Attendance at these events will be capped according to venue type, and attendees should follow the COVID-secure measures set out by those venues.
• Indoor hospitality venues such as restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes can reopen.
• Organised indoor sport will be able to take place for all (this includes gym classes). This must be organised by a business, charity or public body and the organiser must take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
• All holiday accommodation will be open (including hotels and B&Bs). This can be used by groups of up to 6 or 2 households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible).
• Funeral attendance will no longer be limited to 30 people, but will be determined by how many people the COVID-secure venue can safely accommodate with social distancing. Limits at weddings, wakes and other commemorative events will be increased to 30 people. Other significant life events, such as bar/bat mitzvahs and christenings, will also be able to take place with 30 people.