Covid 19 - What you need to know -The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021

The Government have now published new Regulations to facilitate the ‘Road Map’ for England previously outline by the Prime Minister.

The Regulations, a copy of which can be found here, will be debated in Parliament tomorrow (Thursday 25th March) and are scheduled to come into force on the 29th March (when relaxations of outdoor socialising come into force).

• Regulations relating to area within ‘Step 1’ (expected to by all of England), commencing on 29th March, are contained within Schedule 1.
• Areas moving to ‘Step 2’ (not before 12th April) will be subject to restrictions outlined in Schedule 2.
• Areas moving to ‘Step 3’ (not before 17th May) will be subject to restrictions outlined in Schedule 3.
• The Regulations will expire on 30th June, unless revoked earlier by the Government. The fourth and final step is due to be taken no earlier than 21st June.

The Government must review the need for the restrictions imposed by these Regulations by 12th April 2021 (the provisional date for the second step) and thereafter at least once every 35 days from that date. These Regulations expire at the end of 30th June 2021.

The Regulations also impose restrictions on travel outside of the UK without reasonable excuse (Regulation 8).

Important guidance to accompany the Regulations has not been published yet (24th March 2021).