The Prime Minister this evening announced a change of lockdown restrictions from next Monday, May 17th.

In a coronavirus briefing, Boris Johnson revealed the UK remains on track to reach the next stage on 21st June.

So what is changing?

The PM says that from 17th May in England, people will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 people, and meet indoors in groups of up to six or as two households.

The majority of sectors will reopen, including pubs, bars, and restaurants indoors.

Indoor entertainment will resume, including cinemas, museums, and children's play areas.

Theatres, concert halls, conference centres, and sports stadia can all reopen, with larger events in these settings able to resume with capacity limits.

Organised adult sport and exercise classes can resume indoors and saunas and steam rooms may reopen.

He says all remaining accommodation including hotels, hostels, and B&Bs can reopen from Monday.

Domestic overnight stays will be allowed in groups of up to six people or two households, he says.

Weddings, receptions, and other life events can take place with up to 30 people.

And the cap will be lifted on the numbers attending funerals, in line with how many people can be safely accommodated in venues.

He also added 30 people will be able to attend a support group or parent and child group. The limit does not include children under five.

Care home visiting will be eased further, with residents able to have up to five named visitors and greater freedoms to make low-risk visits out of the home.

The Prime Minister said this evening:

"I can confirm today we can further ease our lockdown in England.

"I am confident that we will be able to go further, we remain on track to go to step 4 in June, we will be saying more later this month on certification and social distancing.

"This doesn't mean we should throw caution into the wind, I urge you to think about the vulnerability of your loved ones. Whatever you decide I must ask you to follow social distancing with friends and family.

"We only have to look at the sad situation in other countries, we must continue to fight the spread of variants in the UK. We must remain vigilant."

Face coverings for pupils will also no longer be recommended in classrooms, in secondary schools, and colleges.

More information will be posted here when we have it.

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