Big changes to Covid restrictions have been made across the UK.
Northern Ireland is the latest to lift some restrictions.
What has now changed in England?
- Nightclubs can reopen
- Pubs and restaurants no longer table-service only
- No limits on guests at weddings and funerals
- No limits on people attending concerts, theatres or sports events
- No restrictions on communal worship
image sourceGetty ImagesWhat guidance remains in place in England?
People should continue to meet others outside where possible.
How are the rules changing in Northern Ireland?
Some things have changed:
- 10 people from three households can meet indoors in private dwellings
- 15 people from unlimited households can meet outdoors
- Close contact services can open without pre-booked appointments
- Theatres and concert halls can reopen – tickets must be sold in advance, with allocated seating and 1m social distancing
- Sound levels are no longer restricted at venues, although dancing is not allowed
- MOT test centres can reopen
- Social distancing of 1m (3ft) for many indoors activities, including restaurants, retail and shopping centres
- No social distancing laws outdoors, or on public transport, but 1m (3ft) recommended
How have rules changed in Scotland?
- Up to eight people from up to four households can meet indoors at home
- Up to 10 people from up to four households can meet in a public indoor space
- Up to 15 people from up to 15 households can meet outdoors – whether in a private garden or public place (children aged 12 and under not counted)
- Up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals
- Two-hour slots to go to a pub or restaurant end, but customers to provide contact details and wear face coverings when not seated
- Soft play centres can open
- Capacity at events rises to 2,000 seated outdoors, 1,000 standing and 400 indoors
- People fully vaccinated in the UK – and under-18s travelling with them – no longer have to quarantine after visiting an amber-list country
Guidance is expected on allowing fully vaccinated people to avoid self-isolation after close contact with positive cases.
The government is also considering removing the self-isolation requirement for school pupils.
What rules and guidance remain in Scotland?
- Masks compulsory on public transport and in shops “for some time”
- Hospitality venues to close at midnight
- Nightclubs and adult entertainment closed
- In indoor public places, social distancing changes from 2m (6ft) to 1m including between different household groups
- Outdoor group gatherings limited to 15 people from up to 15 households – no social distancing required within the group, but 1m required between different groups
- People should carry on working from home
The government hopes to lift most remaining restrictions on 9 August.
image sourceGetty ImagesHow are the rules changing in Wales?
- Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation
- Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing
- Ice rinks can reopen
- No limits on how many people can meet outdoors in public places, or at events
The six-person limit does not apply if everyone is from the same or extended household.
Adults returning from amber-list countries also no longer have to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated in the UK, and nor do under-18s travelling with them.
The government hopes to move to Alert Level 0 on 7 August. This would mean:
- All premises can open, including nightclubs, with most restrictions replaced by risk assessments
- No legal limits on the number of people who can meet indoors, including private homes
Face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places and on public transport for the present time.
