Information about the current lockdown and plans to ease these restrictions with the government's 4-step plan.
This page was last updated at 9:37am on Monday, 12 April. We will update this page as more information becomes available.
A 4-step plan (or roadmap) to ease lockdown restrictions in England was announced on Monday, 22 February 2021. We are now in step 2 of the plan.
There will be a minimum of 5 weeks between each step to limit the risk of infections and hospitalisations, with at least 1 week’s advance notice of the changes in restrictions.
Restrictions will be lifted across the whole of England at the same time with no return to regional tiers.
Until all restrictions are eased, we should continue to follow National Lockdown: Stay at home guidance.
Roadmap
4-step plan for easing lockdown
Step 1
8 March and 29 March
National lockdown: Stay at Home
In effect from Tuesday, 5 January 2021
You must stay at home. The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. This lockdown is in effect from Tuesday, 5 January 2021.
You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may only leave the home to:
shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home
exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area
meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
attend education or childcare - for those eligible.
If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local in the village or town where you live. You may leave your local area for a legally permitted reason, such as for work.
You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with or are not in a support bubble with (if you are legally permitted to form one).
You may exercise on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.
You should not meet other people you do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, unless for a permitted reason.
Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household.
From Monday, 8 March 2021 outdoor recreation, such as a picnic, is allowed. This can be on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.
Schools and colleges are closed from Tuesday, 5 January to most pupils, except vulnerable children and the children of critical workers, and they will provide remote learning for other students until at least the half-term in February.
Early years settings such as nurseries will stay open
End-of-year exams will not take place this summer as normal
Elsewhere, university students should not return to campuses and will be taught online
From Monday, 8 March 2021 school and college pupils will return to face-to-face education in school and further education in England. Wraparound childcare, such as after-school clubs, can reopen to enable parents to work, attend education, access medical care or attend a support group.
Outdoor sports venues - such as golf courses, tennis courts and outside gyms - must close
Outdoor playgrounds remain open
Amateur team sports are not allowed
Elite sport such as Premier League football can continue
Read the full National lockdown guidance, including any exemptions or exceptions, on GOV.UK
Infection rates are very high.
Make sure you continue to follow the 3 Steps to Safety.