24 May 2021 | 12:47 PM UTC
UK: UK further eases COVID-19 restrictions from May 24 /update 64
Authorities continue to ease domestic COVID-19 measures around the UK as of May 24; social distancing rules remain in effect.
Event
Authorities continue to ease restrictive measures imposed to combat COVID-19 as of May 24. Each of the UK's constituent countries has the authority to impose travel and other restrictions, though they have typically remained closely aligned in their actions. Specific nationwide measures include a requirement that facemasks be worn in enclosed public spaces, including on public transport, though the following measures are also in effect:
England
Most nonessential shops and businesses are permitted to operate provided they adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Pubs and restaurants are permitted to open for indoor and outdoor services; group sizes are limited to a maximum of six people, or any number of people from up to two households.
Outdoor gatherings are allowed for up to 30 people from any number of households, or any number of people from two different households.
All persons are encouraged to work from home.
England is currently scheduled to lift all remaining restrictions June 21, though officials have warned that some may be extended depending on the epidemiological situation; an announcement on the pace of further derestriction is planned June 14. For details of official restrictions in place in England, click here.
Northern Ireland
Nonessential businesses are permitted to operate subject to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Catering and hospitality are permitted to open for indoor and outdoor service; group sizes are limited to a maximum of six people
Six people from up to two households can meet indoors; 15 people from up to three households are permitted to meet in private outdoor spaces.
Outdoor events of up to 500 people are permitted.
Many cultural sites are permitted to reopen; theaters and cinemas remain closed.
All persons must continue to work from home where possible.
Northern Ireland is planning to relax restrictions further from June 21. For details of official restrictions in place in Northern Ireland, click here.
Scotland
Nonessential shops and businesses are open.
Up to six people from a maximum of three households can meet socially indoors. Up to eight people from different households can meet socially outdoors.
Pubs and restaurants can offer indoor and outdoor services; alcohol sales are prohibited after 22:30.
Scotland is planning to relax restrictions further from June 7. For details of official restrictions in place in Scotland, click here.
Wales
Most nonessential shops and businesses are permitted to operate provided they adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
A maximum of two households is permitted to meet socially indoors. Up to six people from different households, excluding children, are permitted to meet socially outdoors.
Pubs and restaurants can offer indoor and outdoor services; group sizes are limited to a maximum of six people from different households.
Wales is likely to announce the next phase of derestriction June 7. For details of official restrictions in place in Wales, click here.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Officials have warned that they could reintroduce localized restrictions in response to local COVID-19 outbreaks.
Context
The UK has embarked on a major COVID-19 vaccination program that offered all adults over the age of 50 and all people over the age of 16 with underlying health conditions the first dose of the vaccine by mid-April. The government now aims to offer the first dose of the vaccine to all people over the age of 18 by the end of July. Nationwide, health authorities have already vaccinated more than 37 million members of those groups most likely to be susceptible to the more severe effects of COVID-19 and expect that this will provide them with significantly improved immunity, thereby mitigating the potential risks arising from lifting domestic restrictions on business and activity.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all domestic travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
