This month sees the first relaxation of the third coronavirus lockdown regulations. According to the government, the relaxation will happen in the following two stages and on the following dates:

March 8, 2021

• All schools and colleges will reopen, with university students allowed to return for practical courses. There will be a review by the end of the Easter holidays for all other students. Face coverings are recommended in class for secondary school students and also for parents and staff in primary schools
• Wraparound childcare can also return for vulnerable pupils and where it is needed for parents or carers to go to work, support groups or to seek medical care
• Two people from different households can meet outside for recreation, which can include “a coffee on a bench”. A list of Otley Cafes can be found here
• One nominated person can visit care homes, but will need PPE, a lateral flow test and to “keep physical contact to a minimum”

March 29, 2021

• People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the ‘rule of six’, including in private gardens
• The stay-at-home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
• Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts. Formally organised outdoor sports can also restart
• Parents and children groups can return but are capped at 15 and must be outdoors. Indoor groups can take place for vulnerable children and where parents need the groups to go to work
• Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances

We’ll offer further updates on the regulations for April if they are confirmed by the government. For now, non-essential shops remain closed, though they may re-open on April 12.