All your lockdown questions answered from seeing family and pals to holidays

We have become used to making sense of the often complicated Covid rules – but many of us were left scratching our heads today after Boris Johnson set out his four-step roadmap out of lockdown.

While a welcome light at the end of the tunnel, the announcement left many with more questions and answers.

Here we dissect the plan to get us back to normality and answer your burning questions…

What is your view? Have your say in the comments section

When can I go and stay overnight with my son and his family?

While two households can meet outdoors from April 12, household mixing indoors will only be allowed from May 17.

Now we can meet one person outside can I go and meet my mother, who lives in another county?

People must still stay within their local area until March 29 at the earliest.

Can I bring my child with me when I go to meet my friend for a coffee?

No. Children aren’t exempt from the two-person limit on meeting outdoors from March 8. But from March 29 six people can meet outdoors.

If I’m in a support bubble can I meet another household because technically that would be three?

Yes. If you have formed a support bubble you are counted as part of the same household. From March 29 you will be able to meet with one other household, although people from different households will need to socially distance from each other.

Now I’ll be able to meet one other person outdoors, can I meet lots of people as long as it’s one at a time?

Yes, but while following social distancing rules.

If after-school outdoor sports are allowed can our children play football with their friends in the park?

For an informal kickabout, not until March 29 at the earliest if there are no more than six, or May 17 for groups of more than six.

But organised outdoor sports, such as Sunday league football, will be able to restart from March 29 for adults and children with no restrictions on numbers.

Parent and child groups can take place outdoors with a limit of 15 people from March 29. Does that include children?

No. Children aren’t exempt from the two-person limit on meeting outdoors from March 8. But from March 29 six people can meet outdoors.

If I’m in a support bubble can I meet another household because technically that would be three?

Yes. If you have formed a support bubble you are counted as part of the same household. From March 29 you will be able to meet with one other household, although people from different households will need to socially distance from each other.

Now I’ll be able to meet one other person outdoors, can I meet lots of people as long as it’s one at a time?

Yes, but while following social distancing rules.

If after-school outdoor sports are allowed can our children play football with their friends in the park?

For an informal kickabout, not until March 29 at the earliest if there are no more than six, or May 17 for groups of more than six.

But organised outdoor sports, such as Sunday league football, will be able to restart from March 29 for adults and children with no restrictions on numbers.

Parent and child groups can take place outdoors with a limit of 15 people from March 29. Does that include children?

No. Children under five years of age don’t count towards the attendee limit. Parent and child groups will be able to meet indoors from April 12, but still with the 15-person limit.

When will my daughter be able to go back to her Saturday drama class?

It is hoped children will be able to attend indoor activities from April 12.

When can get my hair or nails done?

Non-essential shops and personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons will reopen in Step 2 of the roadmap, on April 12. But you can only visit on your own or with those in your own household.

Will there be any extra rules for pupils when they return to class?

Probably. The Government is recommending that secondary school pupils, and students in higher and further education, wear face coverings indoors, including in classrooms, unless the 2m social distancing can be maintained.

In primary schools, staff and parents visitors will have to wear face coverings.

What will happen if infections begin to rise again once schools are open?

The Government stressed that each stage will be “guided by data rather than dates”, and that the dates suggested for each stage could change.
From May 17, large outdoor seated venues will reopen to the public allowing up to 10,000 people or 25% of total seated capacity.

Further lifting of restrictions will depend on the results of a pilot scheme looking at how large events can take place without social distancing using other controls such as testing.

Depending on the outcome of these schemes, restrictions on outdoor stadiums may be lifted during Step 4 after June 21.

What about theatres/ concerts?

After May 17 indoor events of up to 1,000 people, or 50% of a venue’s capacity, whichever is lower, will be permitted, as will outdoor events of either 50% capacity or 4,000 people.

When should I set my wedding date for?

Will parents have to test children twice a week? What if they refuse or forget?

The Government confirmed yesterday that there will be twice-weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils, initially in school and then at home. All households with school children and members of their support bubbles will also be “encouraged” to get tested regularly.

There was no indication that home testing would be compulsory or subject to penalties.

When will I be able to attend lectures?

Higher education students who wouldn’t be able to complete their courses without practical teaching will return on March 8.

The Government will review by the end of the Easter break when students who don’t need to take part in practical teaching might be able to return to lectures and face-to-face teaching.

When will I be able to go back to my university accommodation?

That depends on how many people you want to invite.

Weddings with up to 30 guests will be allowed from May 17, while limits on guest numbers may be removed after June 21.

But the dates may change and a decision on lifting limits will depend on the results of a pilot scheme starting in April.

My mum is in a care home. Will I definitely be able to visit now and will I have to take a test first?

Every care home resident will be able to nominate one person who will be able to come in for a regular visit, from March 8.

They will have to take a lateral flow test every time they visit, wear PPE and keep contact to a minimum.

The Government said it will make a decision on April 12 about whether this can be extended to two visitors per resident.

Other relatives will be able to visit, but behind windows, screens or in visiting pods.

Will there be vaccine passports?

Probably.

Only last week Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi said he was “not planning a domestic passport” allowing firms to only allow those who have had the jab to work or use their services.

But yesterday the Government confirmed it will review Covid-status certification.

When will pubs open, and will we be able to have a drink in the pub without having to order a meal?

Pubs and other hospitality venues will open on April 12 for outdoor service, and May 17 for indoor service. Unlike last year’s Tiers 2 and 3, there will be no requirement for a substantial meal to be served with booze and no curfew.

When restaurants open for outdoor service on April 12, can I get together with my two sisters and their families?

Only if there are no more than six people in all.

Will classes like yoga and pilates be able to open before gyms?

Not unless they are taken outside with a maximum of six people. Adult indoor exercise classes will be allowed on May 17 at the earliest, over a month after gyms reopen on April 12.

Will I be able to attend church at Easter?

Places of worship have remained open during lockdown, with social distancing rules. Normal services with mixing and without social distancing will resume no earlier than June 21.

When can I go back to my office?

People should still work from home where they can until after a review into social distancing, with a decision expected after June 21.