Lockdown easing - everything you can and can't do from today

The Prime Minister confirmed earlier this week that the nation will enter stage three of the roadmap out of lockdown. 

As coronavirus restrictions become lighter, we will be eat and drink indoors, mix in groups of 30 outside and visit the theatre once more.

READ MORE: Where to get a PCR coronavirus test for going abroad

READ MORE: Pubs and restaurants in Dorset you can book for May 17

Finally we'll be allowed to hug our loved ones and masks won't be mandatory in the classroom - but how else will life change? 

Ahead of the easing of restrictions, we thought we'd round-up all of the things you can and can't do as we enter stage three. 

On top of everything we are currently allowed to do, here are the new rules: 

Social distancing 

You still have to maintain social distancing rules in public spaces (PA).

What CAN you do? 

• You can hug family and friends, but it is down to you to assess the risk involved in this and the government are urging people to use their common sense.

What CAN'T you do?

• You still have to remain socially distanced at work, school and with anyone other than the people you are meeting up with.
• For example, in a restaurant you must remain socially distanced from other guests outside of your party. 

Gatherings

What CAN you do? 

• You'll be allowed to meet up in groups of up to 30 outside.
• You can go into people's homes and have them in yours,  up to six people from mixed households or unlimited from two households.

What CAN'T you do? 

• You cannot meet up in groups of more than 30 outside, this will remain illegal. 
• You cannot meet up in groups of more than six or from more than two households inside. 

Going to the pubs / bars / restaurants

You can sit inside in hospitality venues, you must wear a mask when walking around (PA).

What CAN you do?

• You can go to hospitality venues and sit inside or outside, you must sign in through the NHS track and trace app.
• You don't have to have a substantial meal and there is no curfew. 

What CAN'T you do?

• You can't book in groups of more than six from multiple households. 

Activites and venues

What CAN you do?

• Indoor venues will be open, so you can visit the cinema and children's play areas. 
• Attend larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full and outdoor venues with a capacity of 4,000 or half full. 
• 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).

What CAN'T you do?

• Go to night clubbing events until June 21 at the earliest.

Holidays and nights away

PCR tests are mandatory for all foreign travel (PA).

What CAN you do? 

• You can stay in hotels, hostels and B&Bs 
• You can travel anywhere in the UK 
• You can travel to green-list countries without quarantining
• You must take PCR tests when travelling abroad to any country.

What CAN'T you do?

• You can't travel to red or amber-list countries without quarantining - you must quarantine and take PCR tests.

The gym and sports clubs

What CAN you do? 

• You can attend indoor adult group sports and exercise classes. 

Weddings, funerals and life events 

What CAN you do?

• Up to 30 people will be able to attend all life events including weddings, funerals, christenings and bar mitzvahs.

What CAN'T you do? 

• You cannot have more than 30 guests. 

Wearing a face mask 

​What CAN you do?

• You can remove your face mask when you are sat at a table in a restaurant, bar, etc.
• You can remove your face mask if you are in a class room.

Children won't have to wear a face covering in class (PA). 

What CAN'T you do?

• You cannot ignore the rules - face masks are mandatory (unless you have a proven exemption) in all public settings where social distancing can and cannot be followed.
• For full details on when to wear a face covering, visit the government website.