COVID-19 Restrictions to be Lifted, Step by Step...

Well, one thing I'm sure of is that I am continuing to go out walking as my permitted exercise during the COVID-19 Crisis, as, frankly, I do not trust anyone in authority to help me, and the photograph above was taken on my walk to the east of home yesterday, when I was walking down into Warren Glen during my crossing of Hastings Country Park and back. Oh yes! And the Prime Minister made a statement yesterday outlining a 4/5 step 'road' taking us out of the current limitations on our freedom (BBC).

His statement covers the Government's plan for England (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland having separate plans) and reiterates 4 tests to allow the easing of restrictions; the dates offered being the earliest dates possible for each step and if the tests are not met by those dates, then the steps may be put back. The 4 tests are:

• The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully;
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths;
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS;
• That Government assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of Covid that cause concern.

The photograph above was taken during my walking exercise to the west of the town centre/home earlier today, and looks down on Hastings Pier. So what are these 4/5 'steps' ?!? Well, unless the person responsible only uses fingers and forgets thumbs when counting, then the Government has succeeded in shrinking 5 'steps' into 4! Hmmm, read on, and do not forget, the dates stated are just the earliest possible date:

1. Step One - no earlier than 8 March: Includes that all schools, colleges and universities are to be reopened, that is, for 9 million schoolchildren, plus all students in Further Education and Higher Education, plus after school sports are to be allowed. In addition, 2 people will be allowed to sit next to each other outdoors, and care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor.
2. Step One (or Step 2) - no earlier than 29 March: Includes that 6 people or 2 households will be allowed to meet outdoors, outdoor sports facilities will be allowed to reopen, and travel outside the local area will be allowed.
3. Step Two (or Step 3) - no earlier than 12 April: Includes the reopening of non-essential shops, hairdressers and other personal care, libraries, community centres, swimming pools, gyms, self-contained holiday accommodation, and gardens of pubs, bars and restaurants (no advice regarding toilet facilities yet).
4. Step Three (or Step 4) - no earlier than 17 May: Includes that 6 people or 2 households will be allowed to meet indoors, plus the reopening of cinemas, children's play areas, theatres and sports stadia (with capacity limits), and hotels, restaurants, bars and pubs, cheers!
5. Step Four (or Step 5) - no earlier than 21 June 2021: Legal limits on social contacts end, and freedom, hopefully...

More details and the full content of the Prime Minister's statement to the House of Commons can be read at the Government website.

I could do with a pint now! 😉