For a lot of people who have headed to the airport today – it’s an important day, as England moves from out of Stage 2 restrictions and into Stage 3.
What can you do in Stage 3?
International Leisure Travel re-opens, with Green, Amber and Red Lists.
For those who need to get away for a break, the time is now – depending on if a country will let you in.
The Green List contains:
- Portugal
- Israel
- Singapore
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Brunei
- Iceland
- Gibraltar
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands
- St Helena, Tristan de Cunha and Ascension Island
Again, it is up to a country if they decide to let you in. The Green list only comes into its own when you return from a country – as that will dictate if you need to isolate, quarantine or just submit a test result.
Up-to-date lists can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england.
The exact Government advice is:
There are no longer any restrictions on leaving England to travel internationally, however to protect public health in the UK and the vaccine rollout, you should not travel to countries or territories on the red or amber lists.
Domestically, Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen and you can now stay away from home overnight within England. This can be used by groups of up to 6 or 2 households (each household can include a support bubble, if eligible).
Meeting with people
- Up to 30 people can meet outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors, overnight stays can take place
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings, christening, receptions and so on.
- Unlimited people can attend a funeral – limited to the size of the venue
- Up to 30 people can meet in a support group
- Care Home Residents can have up to five named visitors, with more freedom to leave the home.
Hugging
Ladies and Gentlemen, Her Majesty’s Government has declared it safe for you to hug
Ladies and Gentlemen, Her Majesty’s Government has declared it safe for you to hug.
The BBC has advice on how not to be seen how to hug in these times.
You should of course not hug every stranger in the street and remain cautious.
Entertainment and Services
- Cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs will be allowed to serve you indoors, without a requirement of a substantial meal (the end of the Scotch Egg substantial meal)
- Indoor Entertainment including museums, cinema and children’s play areas can reopen
- Large indoor venues such as Theatres, concert halls, conference centres and sports stadiums can all reopen, as long as they are COVID secure.
- Indoor gym classes and sports can restart.
- Steam Rooms and Saunas can reopen
What about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
The devolved administrations have guidance for their regions:
- Scotland – https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
- Wales – https://gov.wales/coronavirus
- Northern Ireland – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19
- England – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
What about the NHS App being used as a vaccine passport?
At the time of writing, there is a new page in the NHS App which shows your vaccination status. The magical QR code that will solve everything (because that’s what they do) is not yet live to the App Store.
Keep an eye on it during the day.
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