It has been confirmed that the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown is to continue as planned, with further restrictions to be eased from Monday 12 April.

The main changes coming into effect from Monday are:

  • Hospitality venues can serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors, with no curfew
  • Spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances events
  • Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation
  • Public buildings such as libraries and community centres will also reopen
  • Close-contact services such as beauty and nail salons can reopen
  • Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
  • The number of care home visitors will also increase to two per resident

Other businesses, such as indoor hospitality and theatres and cinemas will be able to open on 17 May at the earliest. You can read the full roadmap and COVID guidance on the Government website.

The Government has urged caution with the easing of restrictions and highlighted that each phase can only take place if certain conditions are met at each stage including the vaccination programme continuing as planned and hospital admissions remaining low.

Dr Robyn Dewis, Director of Public Health, Derby City Council, said:

It is excellent news that we are in a position to continue unlocking from severe restrictions. However, it is absolutely essential that we do this in as safe a way as possible.

While this is no doubt a positive and welcome moment for many, caution is vital to ensure that lockdown measures do not become necessary again due to rising transmission.

If we do take the opportunity to visit reopened businesses or socialise outdoors, we must continue to be alert and wash our hands regularly, keep our distance from others and wear a face covering where we can.

The Government is also updating the countries on the ‘red list’ – non-UK residents will not be able to enter the UK from these areas and UK residents will be required to stay in a Government approved quarantine hotel upon arrival.

Currently, all people arriving in England must self-isolate for 10 days and take a coronavirus test on day 2 and day 8 of quarantining.

Further guidance on travel outside of the UK is available on the Government website.

While the lockdown is easing, the Community Hub is here to assist all those in need during the pandemic but will prioritise those who have no family, friends, or neighbours to support them.

You can find out more about the Derby Community Hub, the support it provides and how you can help on the Council website Those who need support can call Derby Direct on 01332 640000. A text service is also available for Deaf people on 0777 4333412.

The line will open between 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. There’s also a dedicated email at covidsupport@communityactionderby.org.uk.

Should there be any emergency care needs due to COVID-19, please call the emergency OOH Careline number on 01332 956606.