Encouraging signs for easing lockdown but there is still a way to go
29 March 2021
- From 29 March the government's COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021 will allow outdoor gatherings of either six people (the Rule of six) or two households.
- Outdoor sports facilities will be allowed to reopen.
- The 'stay at home' rule will end on 29 March but many restrictions will remain in place.
Responding to the lifting of several restrictions today as part of the government's four-step roadmap out of lockdown, the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:
"The lifting of restrictions today on social contact, outdoor sport and the 'stay at home rule' will be welcomed by many. Coupled with this week's good weather, fantastic progress with the vaccination programme and the long bank holiday weekend, trust leaders recognise this will be a cause of celebration after an incredibly tough year.
As with every stage of this pandemic we are still in uncharted territory and there is a way to go before we defeat COVID-19.
Deputy Chief Executive
"As with every stage of this pandemic we are still in uncharted territory and there is a way to go before we defeat COVID-19. We must not let down our guard yet, despite the easing of restrictions.
"COVID-19 cases have not gone away, there are still 532 patients in hospital requiring mechanical ventilation due to the virus and people are still losing their lives to this disease. We must remain vigilant against new variants of the virus.
"While it is a great sign that things are on the right track with the easing of lockdown in England, it is crucial we all continue to follow the rules, to stop the spread of infection, prevent unnecessary deaths and ensure that this lockdown will well and truly be the last."