Here's what's happening on April 12 in step two of Government's roadmap out of lockdown
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a Downing Street press conference on Easter Monday (April 5) that the Government was pushing ahead with the next phase of its plan to ease the national restrictions imposed in January.
Speaking at the briefing, he said: “I can confirm that from Monday, April 12 we will move to step two of our roadmap, reopening shops, gyms, zoos, holiday campsites, personal care services like hairdressers, and, of course, beer gardens and outdoor hospitality of all kinds.
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Hide Ad"I will be going to the pub myself and cautiously but irreversibly raising a pint of beer to my lips.
"We think that these changes are fully justified by the data which shows that we are meeting our four tests for easing the lockdown.”
But he warned against complacency and urged people who have already been vaccinated once not to miss out on their second dose and to use newly-available Covid tests, even if they did not feel ill.
We take a look at what the change in the rules means for activities from Monday, April 12.
What businesses can reopen?
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Hide AdNon-essential shops will be able to reopen, alongside personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons and public buildings such as libraries and community centres.
Outdoor hospitality venues, such as beer gardens, will also be allowed to welcome customers back – but only with table service.
Most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in performances (such as cinemas and concerts) will reopen.
Some smaller outdoor events such as fetes, literary fairs, and fairgrounds will be able to go ahead, while indoor leisure and sports facilities will be able to reopen for individual exercise, or exercise with your household or support bubble.
What else will happen from that date?
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Hide AdAll childcare and supervised activities will be allowed indoors, as well as outdoors, for all children.
Parent and child groups can take place indoors, as well as outdoors, for up to 15 people. Children under five will not be counted in this number.
Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wakes and other commemorative events will be able to take place for up to 15 people (anyone working is not included in this limit), including in indoor venues that are permitted to open or where an exemption applies.
Wedding receptions can also take place for up to 15 people, but must take place outdoors, not including private gardens.
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Hide AdFunerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people and may take place indoors.
Self-contained accommodation will be able to open for overnight stays in England with your household or support bubble but you should continue to minimise the amount that you travel where possible.
Care home residents will be able to nominate two named individuals for regular indoor visits, following a rapid lateral flow test.
Where can we meet our family and friends?
You can meet in a group of six or a larger group from up to two households outdoors, including private outdoor spaces, such as gardens, and other outdoor public places and venues that remain open.
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Hide AdYou should maintain social distancing from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble.