Public reminded to keep following the rules following Government roadmap decision
The Prime Minister has confirmed there will a delay in the country moving to Step 4 of the Government roadmap, meaning that the majority of the current restrictions will remain in place for the time being.
The Prime Minister has confirmed there will a delay in the country moving to Step 4 of the Government roadmap, meaning that the majority of the current restrictions will remain in place for the time being.
This means that the current limits on seeing friends and family will remain in place, so the rule of six or two households indoors is permitted, including for overnight stays. Restrictions on meeting outdoors will remain, with gatherings of over 30 people remaining illegal.
Businesses that were permitted to operate in Step 3 can remain open, including indoor hospitality businesses such as pubs and restaurants; indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas; hotels and B&Bs; and adult indoor group sports and exercise classes. Businesses in hospitality, the tourism and leisure industry, close contact services, community centres and village halls must continue to have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff for the NHS Test and Trace system, to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus.
Indoor hospitality must continue to have COVID-secure measures in place, and businesses can only cater for groups of six people or two households. Venues do not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; nor is there a curfew, but customers will have to order, eat and drink while seated.
Funeral venues are allowed to decide how many mourners they can accommodate, adhering to social distancing rules. The 30-person limit on wakes will be lifted in England from 21 June. Instead capacity will be determined by the maximum number of people a venue can accommodate within COVID-19 secure rules. Weddings can also go ahead with more than 30 people from 21 June providing social distancing is observed. This also applies to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.
Cllr Simon Jacobs, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: " We know this may not be the news people were hoping to receive, but the decision to proceed to the final step of the roadmap was always going to be informed by data rather than dates, and that's why there is a delay to the change in restrictions.
"Unfortunately, the variants of coronavirus that have been emerging, particularly the Delta variant (first identified in India), have seen an increase in cases across the country, particularly during the last few weeks.
"The best way to stop the spread has been to temporarily halt the current plans for Step 4 of the Government's roadmap.
"We hugely appreciate the efforts of everyone who has been adhering to the restrictions and urge people to continue following the rules so that a way back to a more normal life can continue soon.
"I would urge people get vaccinated when offered and ensure they attend both first and second dose appointments, and stick to the safety measures that will help keep themselves and friends and family safe, by regularly washing hands for at least 20 seconds, social distancing and wearing face coverings where required."
International travel continues to be restricted, and people should check the latest guidance and country restrictions before planning to travel to another country. More information and travel advice can be found at: GOV.UK: COVID-19 Travel Advice (opens new window).
Full details of the Government's roadmap and restrictions in place can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#history (opens new window).