In his statement on 5 April, the Prime Minister confirmed that from Monday 12 April, England will move to step 2 of its roadmap, as the ‘four tests’ for easing COVID restrictions had been met. You can see the updates to guidance on (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do (England) here. 

Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to six people or two households and you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.

COVID-19 restrictions that will be eased from 12 April (step 2) include:

• Self-contained accommodation will be able to open for overnight stays in England for people with their household or support bubble
• Non-essential retail will be able to reopen
• Outdoor hospitality venues will be able to reopen, with table service only
• Most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in performances (such as cinemas and concerts) will be able to reopen
• Some smaller outdoor events such as fetes and fairgrounds will be able to take place.

People should continue to work from home where they can, and minimise domestic travel where they can. International holidays are still illegal.

Key points from update on roadmap reviews

Rapid testing: Everyone in England will be able to access free rapid COVID testing from 9 April – read more here

COVID-Status Certification Review: The Government believes that COVID-status certification could have an important role to play both domestically and internationally, as a temporary measure.  This is to be trialled in certain settings, including large events.

Global Travel Taskforce – international travel review: The Government said it wants to see a return to non-essential international travel as soon as possible, but that it is not yet in a position to confirm that non-essential international travel can resume from 17 May.  When non-essential international travel does return, it will do so with a risk-based “traffic light” system.

Social distancing review: This explores whether existing rules, designed to limit virus transmission, could be relaxed in different settings.  This includes how and when to safely lift or amend the 1m+ rule and related COVID-secure measures, as well as guidance on working from home.