Lockdown felt like it lasted forever, and now things are changing at last. Though the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the extended lockdown that kept much of England and the wider UK staying safe at home has ended. But what does this lockdown lifting mean for you? What has changed, and what has stayed the same? Read on to find out more.

Social Distancing

One of the most significant parts of the lockdown was social distancing – even when you left the house, you had to remain a solid metre or more apart from others. You were also legally required to wear a face-covering in all shops and other places of business. These are some of the biggest changes that have come with the lifting of lockdown. There are no limits on social contact, with the one metre plus rule fully removed. There are also no more legal requirements regarding face coverings, although this may still be advised in some cases. Businesses are still permitted to request that you employ social distancing measures and wear a face covering, but this is not legally binding.

Events

A challenging part of lockdown was the strict limits on events. There have been limits on how many can attend private events such as weddings and funerals and public events such as concerts and sporting events. With the lifting of lockdown, all of these limits have been removed, and any number of limits on worshipping, singing, theatres, and any other events, large or small.

Hospitality And Businesses

When it comes to hospitality and other businesses, this has been a tough time. Many businesses were closed altogether. Now that lockdown is over, nightclubs are open again for the first time in over a year and a half, and restaurants and other hospitality-based businesses have had their capacity caps lifted. There are no longer any requirements to provide table service only when it comes to restaurants and cafes. For all intents and purposes, it is business as usual.

How It’s Going So Far

So, with all these big changes, how are things going so far? As of now, COVID-19 cases are on the rise, but the link between infections and hospitalisations and deaths has been weakened, meaning that things are still going quite well. For now, it seems as though there are no further lockdowns on the horizon, and people are looking forward to a return to normal.

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