Coronavirus Update – Further easing of restrictions CONFIRMED for 17 May and updated guidance on business events

On 10 May the Prime Minister announced that the Government will go ahead with moving to Step 3 in England from 17 May. This will mean that:

  • Indoor museums and galleries in England permitted to open with COVID-secure measures.
  • Indoor hospitality venues such as restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes can reopen.
  • Indoor gatherings limited to 6 people or 2 households (each household can include a
    support bubble, if eligible).
  • Outdoor gatherings limited to 30 people.
  • People will be able to attend indoor and outdoor events, including business events.
  • Guidance on meeting family and friends will be updated. The public can make informed,
    personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with their friends and family. Close
    contact continues to carry a risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, and people must
    consider the risk to themselves and to others.
  • Social distancing is still very important. You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is
    not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions
    in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.
  • COVID-safe rules remain for the workplace and businesses, such as shops and hospitality.

Read the full guidance for Step 3 here.

The Government has also updated its guidance on business events.

  • Attendance at business events will be capped according to venue type, and attendees
    should follow the COVID-secure measures set out by those venues.
  • Permitted venues (including conference centres and exhibition halls) may host business
    events such as conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, charity auctions, private dining
    events such as charity or gala dinners and awards ceremonies, and corporate hospitality.
  • Events permitted from Step 3 should follow all COVID-secure guidance, adhere to all legal
    requirements, and take all reasonable action to mitigate risk to public health.

Read the guidance here.