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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Mikey Smith

Lockdown changes across the UK: What you can and can't do in all four nations

Across the UK, Covid-19 lockdown rules are beginning to be eased.

With schools opening last week in England, Boris Johnson ’s ‘roadmap’ is underway - with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland having similar plans in place to relax restrictions.

The next step in England is the reintroduction of the 'rule of six' - allowing more people to meet up in parks and gardens from the end of the month.

But each nation in the United Kingdom has a different timescale - with phased plans based on different criteria.

Here’s a round up of how lockdown rules will be relaxed in each part of the UK.

Scotland

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Scotland's stay-at-home order is expected to be lifted from April 5 under a phased plan to lift lockdown, with the country moving back to a levels system of restrictions from April 26.

But Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday that up to four people from two households would be able to meet outdoors from Friday.

For children aged between 12 and 17, outdoor meetings are limited to four people, but these can be from up to four households.

Communal worship in Scotland will restart from March 26, with the limit for services rising from 20 people to 50.

Ms Sturgeon initially said lockdown would ease in phases that are separated by at least three weeks and dependant on suppression of the virus continuing.

The first phase began with the youngest children in Scotland returning to their classrooms on February 22 as schools reopened to more pupils.

The second phase is set to take place no earlier than March 15, with older primary children expected to return to school full time from that date, along with secondary school pupils getting some time back in the classroom.

They are due to return full-time after the Easter holiday.

It is hoped a further extension to outdoor mixing and more freedoms in retail will be put in place from April 5, with the stay-at-home order expected to be lifted.

Ms Sturgeon said more details around the easing of restrictions will be issued in mid-March.

Scotland has been in national lockdown since January 5.

Wales

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford (PA)

Wales entered a national lockdown on December 20 - the earliest of any nation in the UK.

The current "stay-at-home" restrictions will be lifted from Saturday and are expected to allow people from rural areas to travel greater distances than those who live in urban towns and cities.

Also from Saturday, four people from two households will be able to meet outdoors to socialise, including in gardens - while outdoor sports facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts and golf courses, can reopen.

Indoor care home visits will also restart for single designated visitors from the weekend.

Hairdressers and barbers can reopen for appointments from Monday, the same day that all primary pupils and those in qualifications years can return to schools.

Secondary schools will have the option to bring year 10 and 12 learners back, while there will be "flexibility" to allow all other pupils to "check-in" with teachers on a limited amount of days ahead of a full return after the Easter break.

Non-essential retail, which was considered for reopening from next week, will start to reopen gradually from March 22, while restrictions will be lifted on what can be sold in shops which are currently open.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster (right) and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill (PA)

Lockdown restrictions were introduced in Northern Ireland on December 26, and have been extended to April 1 by the Stormont Executive.

However, a review is due on March 18.

Primary school pupils in year groups P1 to P3 returned to classrooms on Monday but are set to go back to remote learning after two weeks.

On March 22, secondary school children in key exam years 12-14 will return.

The Executive's plan for gradually exiting lockdown does not include any target dates, with ministers saying decisions on moving between stages will be based on scientific and medical evidence.

England

Boris Johnson's roadmap is underway (AFP via Getty Images)

All pupils in all year groups returned to classrooms on March 8 with outdoor after-school sports and activities also allowed to restart.

People are now permitted to have socially distanced one-to-one meetings with others outdoors in a public space.

Care home residents are also allowed a single nominated visitor, who will be required to take a Covid test, wear personal protective equipment and keep physical contact to a minimum.

Larger groups will be allowed to gather in parks and gardens from March 29.

The "rule of six" will return, along with new measures allowing two households, totalling no more than six people, to meet.

Outdoor organised sport will also return.

From April 12 at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will be allowed to reopen

Two households, or groups of up to six people, will be allowed to mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed at sporting events from May 17.

All remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted from June 21, allowing for larger events to go ahead and nightclubs to reopen.

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