John Stevenson MP for Carlisle welcomes the announcement from the Prime Minister that, from next Monday 17th May, the next stage of restrictions will be eased.
The combined efforts of people across the country and the incredible success of the vaccination programme, through which more than two thirds of adults across the UK have now received a vaccination, mean that the four tests for easing the restrictions have all been met. Deaths and hospitalisations are at their lowest level since July 2020 and the alert level has been lowered from 4 to 3.
As part of Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown restrictions, from Monday, the lockdown rules are changing:
- Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants can serve customers indoors
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outside
- Indoor entertainment, eg. museums, theatres and cinemas, can open
- Six people or two households can meet can meet indoors, and overnight stays are allowed
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- Sports stadiums can reopen
- Indoor organised sports and exercise classes can take place
- Care home residents will be allowed up to five named visitors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings, receptions and other life events
- The number of people who can attend a funeral will no longer be capped
- University students to return to in person teaching and face coverings no longer required in classrooms or communal areas in secondary schools and colleges
John Stevenson MP for Carlisle said ‘This is a really positive step and I am grateful to everyone including the Government and the NHS who have got us to this point. The resilience of communities and individuals in Carlisle is to be praised. As restrictions are lifted further, we need to concentrate on supporting our local businesses including the retail and hospitality sector in Carlisle as they rebuild.’