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 17 May.
The main changes coming into effect from Monday are:
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors (this includes overnight stays)
- Advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging, will be updated
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres and cinemas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, with limits on audience numbers
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- Holidays abroad to green list countries allowed
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings and more than 30 can attend funerals
There will be updated guidance released on close contact between friends and family (such as hugging) which will set out the risks involved to allow individuals to make informed choices.
The final stage of lockdown easing is currently scheduled to come into effect no earlier than 21 June. 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 testament to collective hard work of individuals and communities across the country that we can go ahead with further lockdown easing. It has been an incredibly difficult year, and changes to restrictions will no doubt be welcome to many.
This, unfortunately, doesn’t mean that the risk of COVID has gone. We should approach socialising with particular caution, and carefully consider the risks involved to ourselves and loved ones.
While it is wonderful that we can hug those outside of our household from Monday, we shouldn’t forget that it is this kind of close contact that allows the virus to spread.
If we continue to act safely, we increase our chances of remaining out of severe restrictions and preventing a surge in cases locally and nationally.
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.