LOCKDOWN RULES are gradually easing- and they are set to relax even further later this month.
As of April 12, pubs and restaurants were allowed to open their outdoor areas for customer.
People can also meet up in outdoor areas or gardens as long as they are following the rule of six.
At the time of writing, more than 50 million coronavirus vaccinations have been given out in the United Kingdom which has been a large contributor to the fall in hospitalisations and deaths as a result of the virus.
While many of us are thankful for our new found freedom there are still some steps left to complete in Boris Johnson’s roadmap to ease lockdown.
Here’s everything you need to know about step May 17 lockdown easing and some things you will be able to do in Worcester on that date:
What restrictions are set to ease on May 17?
Meeting family and friends
According to the Gov.uk website, step three of the lockdown roadmap will focus on easing the limits of seeing friends and family as much as possible.
Currently, people can only meet others outside as a group of six or in two households of any size.
If lockdown restrictions are allowed to ease, 17 May will allow people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.
Most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted- as long as people don’t gather in groups of more than 30.
Indoors, the rule of six or two households will apply but this will be under constant review.
Can I hug my relatives?
The government may also update their guidelines on hugging family members- but the details are currently unconfirmed.
The government says that, no later than Step 3, it will "update the advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging.
"Until this point, people should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble."
Can I sit inside a pub or restaurant?
Most businesses will be able to open- apart from those in the highest risk sectors.
Indoor hospitality will be able to reopen, meaning you can enjoy a pint or meal without fear of being rained on.
However, you will still have to remain seated while you are being served.
Can I watch live performances and sport?
Some larger performances and sporting events at indoor venues will be allowed.
However, they can only have crowds of up to 1000 people (or be at half capacity- whichever figure is hit first).
However, outdoor venues will be able to hold up to 4000 people ((or be at half capacity- whichever figure is hit first).
In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).
Other indoor entertainment, such as cinemas and children’s play areas will also be able to reopen.
Are weddings back on?
Many couples have had to postpone their wedding until the world reopened.
If all goes to plan, up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions, wakes, as well as funerals.
Can I go on holiday?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that there might be some "opening up" of foreign travel on 17 May - but added that this date will be approached with caution.
More details are expected this week to confirm exactly when and how international travel will restart in England.
Speaking on Monday, the PM said "we'll be saying more as soon as we can" but "we have got to be very, very tough".
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the NHS app will act as a ‘Covid passport’ and will be able to display evidence that someone in England has been vaccinated or tested.
Until then, we can still enjoy staycations in England right now.
This is currently limited to self-contained accommodation such as holiday parks, campsites and holiday cottages.
May 17 is also the earliest date that hotels and B&Bs can reopen.
What does this mean for the people of Worcester?
If you live in Worcester, you will be able to do so many more things if lockdown restrictions ease later this month.
If you are tired of sitting outside your local boozer and want to get back inside for a pint, some of Worcester’s top-rated pubs will be reopening on May 17.
The Wheatsheaf Inn on Henwick Road is just one pub opening its doors on 17 May.
It serves a wide range of local and popular Ales, Ciders, Lagers and Wines.
One happy commenter said: “The Wheatsheaf is having a makeover and the present landlord is all about music and art.
“He's upgrading the gardens and on the inside he will be displaying work from local artists and photographers (including mine)- no longer an old boys pub.
“Also good for dog walkers, as you can gain access to the garden from the river. A must go pub!”
Worcester’s first inflatable adventure park will be open on May 18.
Abbie Hickinson, centre manager at The Buzz, said: “Our ethos is getting people out and active. Come over and see what the buzz is all about.”
She added: “We have assault courses, to giant slides. You can battle your friends gladiator style so come and get involved.”
If you are looking for a dreamy local venue to host a May wedding, Curradine Barns in Shrawley is the ideal venue- it’s only a 20 minute drive from Worcester.
The enchanting barn wedding venue is currently taking bookings for show rounds.
(Facebook/ @CurradineBarns )
In a Facebook post, they wrote: “Our team just can’t wait to see you and hear all about your wedding plans - they will be on hand to show you every part of Curradine Barns, from our authentic brick barns to our stylish interiors, secret garden, and idyllic honeymoon cottage… it’s all waiting to be explored!
“As always, we have taken every measure possible to ensure that the venue is covid-safe for your visit, so that you can relax and enjoy your time with us.”
Eager to jet off abroad? A Worcester travel agency said their current policies allow for flexible and reliable customer bookings, even with the prosepct of holidays abroad still up in the air.
Paul Knapper, manager at Spires Travel on Deansway said: “In the last couple of months we have had customers coming to us and asking for advice- but we just don’t have that information yet.
“We’ve taken a few bookings for later in the year and into next year- pretty much all of the operators we deal with have flexible booking policies at the moment.
“If we do book something for a customer travelling in the next few months we know we have that added security so they have the option of changing the date or refunds.”
Some of the agent’s most popular destinations at the minute are Malta, Croatia and Greece
The pandemic brought the world to a standstill and many events, gigs and concerts had to be cancelled or rescheduled last year.
However, lockdown restrictions are gradually easing and live music and theatre will return in May, but only “if strict conditions are met”.
There are currently some shows lined up from May, including:
Judy & Liza musical- 10th anniversary tour
When: Wednesday 18 May 2021
Where: Swan Theatre
Cost: £25 pp
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
When: Wednesday 19 May 2021
Where: Swan Theatre
Cost: £18.50 - £23 on the door
The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
When: Wednesday 8 May 2021
Where: Swan Theatre
Cost: £25
The Navy Lark (Hirer)
When: Thursday 19 May 2021
Where: Swan Theatre
Cost: £20
The Adult Panto - Sleeping with Beauty
When: Friday 20 May 2021
Where: Swan Theatre
Cost: £21
More shows can be found at the Worcester Live website.
What are you most excited to do from May 17?
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