Step 3 will be no earlier than 17 May. Easing lockdown will depend on successful roll-out of the vaccination programme and evidence that vaccinations are reducing hospitalisations and deaths.The level of infection must remain low and the risk not altered by new variants of the virus.
If these conditions are met, then up to 30 people will be able to meet outdoors. Outdoor cinemas and theatres can re-open. Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will apply – although the rule will be kept under review to see whether it is safe to increase it.
Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen.
Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) will also be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).
Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. Other life events that will be permitted include bar mitzvahs and christenings.