Mr Johnson addressed the nation in a televised press conference last week, alongside Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance, to give the green light for pubs, shops, hairdressers, gyms and a raft of other venues to reopen from today, which would allow them to operate for the first time in three months.
He also stated that moving to the next stage of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown was “fully justified” by the success of the vaccine rollout and the drop in cases and hospitalisations.
COVID-19 Roadmap: Step 2
No earlier than 12 April (at least 5 weeks after Step 1)
The Prime Minister has previously stated that decisions on the easing of restrictions as part of the “irreversible” roadmap will be led by data rather than dates, as it takes around four weeks for the data to show the impact of easing restrictions, and the government will then provide a further week’s notice to the public and businesses ahead of any further changes, so for that reason, there will be at least five weeks between the steps in the roadmap.
Before taking each step, the government will review the latest data on the impact of the previous step against four tests, which are:
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The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
The assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.
‘Step One’ of the roadmap was split into two, with the first restrictions eased on 8th March, followed by further changes on 29th March, but what’s in store for ‘Step Two’?
What are all the lockdown restrictions being lifted in England today?
Here’s everything you need to know:
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All non-essential retail stores, community centres, libraries, hairdressers and nail salons can reopen to the public.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to reopen to serve people outdoors only, with customers not required to order a “substantial meal” in order to have an alcoholic drink.
Gyms and other indoor leisure facilities are also to reopen, as well as outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas.
Campsites, holiday lets and other forms of self-contained accommodation are due to reopen, providing that indoor facilities are not shared with other households.
Parent and child groups (not counting children under five) can resume indoors.
The number of guests allowed at a wedding will be able to increase to 15, and funerals will continue with the current number of guests limited to 30.
Care home residents will be allowed to have two regular visitors indoors.
With regards to travel, the “stay at home” order was lifted as part of the second phase of ‘Step One’ on 29th March, but people should continue to work from home where they can, minimise domestic travel and are encouraged to “stay local”.
International holidays are still illegal, and social distancing rules still apply across England.
What restrictions are being lifted from 17th May?
If the data allows it, further restrictions will be lifted on 17th May as part of ‘Step Three’ of lifting England’s lockdown, which are:
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Up to 30 people from different households will be able to gather outdoors.
Indoor hospitality will reopen, as well as indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, hotels, children’s play areas and indoor group sports and exercise classes.
The limit on guests attending weddings, receptions and wakes will increase to 30.
The government has also said it will update advice on social distancing measures no later than this stage, and this will also be the earliest date at which international holidays may be able to resume.
This will all be subject to a prior government review.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Featured Image – Mark Waugh | Flickr
News
Two teens arrested after stabbing of 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Two teenagers have been arrested following the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
In case you need bringing up to speed first, at around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Police conceded that this will ‘understandably’ cause concern in the community, but has assured the public that they believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
And now, it has been confirmed that two teenage boys, also aged 14, were arrested on Sunday night (18 October) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and tat this time, they are currently in custody for questioning.
“We’d like to thank the local community for their support during our investigation as well as the passersby who helped the victim following this incident,” commented Detective Inspector Sean McFadden, of GMP’s City of Manchester district.
“Your quick-thinking undoubtedly saved the victim from potentially life-threatening injuries.
“We appreciate that incidents of this nature can cause concern and we’d like to reassure the public that we understand this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.
“Officers worked quickly and arrested two juveniles on Sunday, and they currently remain in custody for questioning.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
The Manc -
12th April 2021 
