Everything that could be allowed after the next lockdown review which happens next week

While lockdown restrictions eased further today, with the reopening of non-essential shops, there’s still more to come – and the next phase could see the reopening of pubs and hair salons.

The government’s current plan means we may be moving into phase three of the lockdown easing roadmap no earlier than July 4th. This is subject to it being safe to do so, and with regards to the latest scientific advice. 

The biggest change, if it is deemed safe to move onto the next phase, will include the opening of personal care businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons, pubs, leisure facilities and public places, as well as being able to see family indoors. 

It’s great news for everyone who’s craving a pint and all those people who’ve had botched haircuts throughout lockdown!

Other businesses that could reopen properly again include cinemas, places of worship, food service providers, accommodation and beauty salons. 

The ambition is to get these businesses back open, however, only if it is safe to do so. For instance, if a business can’t facilitate social distancing it shouldn’t consider reopening.

Ministers are looking into ways to get pubs open before July 4th with the use of beer gardens, terraces and marquees in an attempt to save the 3.5 million people employed by the hospitality industry.

The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is said to be in favour of a full reopening of pubs and restaurants before July 4th, providing social distancing rules are in place.

If safety measures can be put in place, pubs in England could be back open by June 22nd, two weeks earlier than planned – although that date is looking unlikely as it creeps closer.

The government is expected to carefully phase and pilot the reopening of these higher-risk businesses and public places to ensure safety measures can be maintained. 

Another change that is outlined in phase three is visiting family and friends indoors, if it is considered safe to do so. 

The government has asked SAGE to examine whether it can change regulations regarding who people can meet.

It comes after considering those who are isolated and giving them more social contact. It also allows some families to return to work through sharing childcare. 

It could be that households will be allowed to expand their household group to include another household in a new ‘exclusive group’. This system was adopted in New Zealand.

The 2-metre social distancing rule could also be relaxed in order to get schools fully open, and some ministers have called for this to be eased as it is ‘essential for the economy’. 

The lockdown reviews have been extended to ‘align more closely with the period of time necessary to assess the impact of previous changes on key data feeds, including the R rate’, according to Health Secretary, Matt Hancock. 

The next lockdown review will take place on Thursday June 25th.