Following on from my previous thread on English Covid Regs from 8 March, this thread is for discussion of the revised English Covid Regs from 29 March 2021.
As always, barrister Adam Wagner gives a good layman's summary of the changes.
All of England is placed into Step 1, which is effectively a continuation of the current restrictions with the following main changes:
Step 2 is currently slated to begin 2 weeks later, on 12 April, and includes the following major changes as compared to Step 1:
As part of these changes, the previous system of Tiers has been abolished and replaced with Steps. These line up with the 'phases' outlined in the government's roadmap, although there is no date in the Regulations as to when they will apply.
There is provision for different parts of England to be in different Steps; if the current disparity in case rates across the country continues, the reintroduction of some form of regional Steps (Tier) system seems inevitable.
The expiry date of the new Regs is currently set for 30 June 2021. We'll see about that...
As always, barrister Adam Wagner gives a good layman's summary of the changes.
All of England is placed into Step 1, which is effectively a continuation of the current restrictions with the following main changes:
- The requirement to stay at home is abolished (this is notably is not replaced with a ban on overnight stays, as happened last year at this 'stage')
- Outdoor gatherings are now limited to a maximum of 6 people (or 2 households, if greater). Such gatherings can occur anywhere, including on private property (e.g. gardens)
- A new offence of travelling to, or being present at, a port for the purposes of leaving the Common Travel Area (or indeed succeeding in leaving the CTA) is introduced. A £5k FPN can be 'offered' to those reasonably suspected of this offence(!)
- Outdoor protests are once again explicitly endorsed as legal, provided the 'required precautions' (social distancing etc.) are taken, and it is organised by a business, organisation, charity etc.
Step 2 is currently slated to begin 2 weeks later, on 12 April, and includes the following major changes as compared to Step 1:
- 'Non-essential' retail permitted to reopen
- Close-contact services (e.g. hairdressers) can provide services at their premises again
- Gyms, libraries etc. can reopen
- Pubs can reopen, but only for seated outdoor consumption (or takeaway). However, this includes alcohol, without the requirement for a 'substantial' scotch egg
As part of these changes, the previous system of Tiers has been abolished and replaced with Steps. These line up with the 'phases' outlined in the government's roadmap, although there is no date in the Regulations as to when they will apply.
There is provision for different parts of England to be in different Steps; if the current disparity in case rates across the country continues, the reintroduction of some form of regional Steps (Tier) system seems inevitable.
The expiry date of the new Regs is currently set for 30 June 2021. We'll see about that...