Further lockdown measures to be eased from Monday

Published: 25 March 2021

From Monday 29 March, some coronavirus restrictions are to ease across the country as part of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

The main changes coming into effect from Monday are:

• you will be able to meet outdoors either in a group of 6 (from any number of households), or in a group of any size from up to 2 households (each household can include existing support bubbles, if eligible)
• you will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people (outdoor sports venues and facilities will be able to reopen)
• childcare and supervised activities will be allowed outdoors for all children
• formally organised parent and child groups will be able to take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under 5 will not be counted in this number

From 12 April, restrictions are planned to be eased further, with non-essential retail, personal care (e.g. hairdressers, nail salons), gyms and hospitality (outdoors only), outdoor settings such as zoos and theme parks and self-catering holiday accommodation allowed to open.

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.

The four conditions that must be met at each phase of lockdown easing are:

• The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
• New variants of the virus do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

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

The ability to socialise more outdoors will be very welcome to many after such a difficult winter and we are all keen to see our families and loved ones again.

It is understandable that we may want to take this opportunity to meet outdoors, but it is important that we do not stop following our most vital guidelines on social distancing, handwashing and face coverings.

We should also remember that these measures are still necessary if we or members of our household have received a COVID vaccination.

As the Government has indicated, a significant rise in transmission could lead to lockdown lifting stalling – and every time we socialise unsafely or breach COVID rules, we risk spreading or contracting COVID-19.

In Derby, 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.

Health