The roadmap out of lockdown is underway in England, with the next set of Covid restrictions which were eased on 29th March 2021.

The second stage of the plan’s first stage involves a series of measures increasing people’s capacity to socialise outdoors ahead of schools breaking up for the Easter holidays.

While pubs, hairdressers and non-essential shops will remain closed, outdoor sport will be allowed to resume, and the “stay at home” recommendation will be relaxed to “stay local”.

At Future Life Wealth Management Limited we feel that it is paramount to continue to protect our team and our clients against the current pandemic and as a result of the easing of restrictions I can confirm that our operations will not be changing anytime soon.

We will continue to operate and communicate with our clients, legal and accountancy partners remotely via telephone, video call and email until further notice, although we will continue to review and risk assess this on a regular basis.

To keep you all updated on the recent changes and proposed changes over the next few months – Here is what’s happening!

How have Covid rules changed from 29 March?

Perhaps the most significant change to lockdown rules which came in on 29 March was a return to the Rule of Six or a maximum of two households of any size – will be allowed to meet in any outdoor setting, including private gardens.

Rules on outdoor childcare and supervised activities eased too. Parent and child groups can also take place outdoors with a limit of 15 attendees – children under five do not count towards this limit.

Outdoor sports are also allowed to resume, meaning tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools and golf courses can open again.

Formally organised sports such as grassroots football will also restart for both adults and under-18s without being subject to the rule of six.

Weddings are still limited to a maximum of six attendees, they will no longer be limited to exceptional circumstances.

The easing of these restrictions means that the over-arching “stay at home” rule is also being eased.

However, people are still urged to work from home whenever possible and minimise the number of journeys they take, avoiding peak travel times.

The Government continues to advise that people “should not be staying away from home overnight at this stage”.

What are the next phases of the lockdown roadmap?

The changes that came in from 29 March mark the second half of the first step of lockdown roadmap, with the next changes due on 12 April. Here’s how the easing of restrictions is set to proceed:

Step 2 – From 12 April

• All non-essential retail can reopen
• Pubs, restaurants and cafes can reopen, with outdoor seating only
• Gyms and other indoor leisure can reopen (limited to household groups)
• Hairdressers and other personal care businesses can open again
• Domestic holidays can resume (limited to household groups)
• Outdoor attractions like zoos and theme parks can reopen
• Weddings and wakes can have up to 15 people
• Libraries and community centres can reopen
• All children’s activities can resume, including indoor parent and children groups with up to 15 parents
• Tests will be conducted for larger events

Step 3 – From 17 May

• Rule of Six will come into effect indoors (subject to review)
• Indoor seating can resume in pubs and restaurants
• Indoor entertainment venues like cinemas and theatres can reopen
• Domestic overnight stays can resume
• Organised indoor adult sport can start again
• Weddings and other “significant life events” can include up to 30 people
• Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as performances, can resume
• Remaining accommodation can reopen

Step 4 – From 21 June

• Larger events can resume
• Night clubs can reopen
• No legal limits on social contact

Please note that the above stages will be fully dependent on the Government’s “four tests” being fulfilled, which are:

1. The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
2. Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
3. Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
4. Government assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of concern

Finally, and it goes without saying, if you require any further assistance or support during these difficult times, the Team at Future Life Wealth Management Limited are always on hand to help, so please do not hesitate to contact us on 01246 435996 or info@wealthmanagement.uk.com

Take care and stay safe.