Swindon Borough Council has urged people to remember that England is still in covid lockdown.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out his lockdown 'roadmap'
The council's move follows the Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement of the 'roadmap' out of lockdown.
A council spokesperson said: "It is important to remember that England is still in a national lockdown. We must stay at home, leaving only where permitted by law and follow the rules in this guidance.
"The roadmap outlines four steps for easing restrictions. Before proceeding to the next step, the Government will examine the data to assess the impact of previous easements. "
This assessment will be based on four tests, which are that:
- The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
- Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
- Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
- An assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.
From 8 March, there will be changes to what people can and cannot do, and these have been reiterated by the council:
- You will be allowed to spend time in outdoor public spaces for recreation on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble. This means you can sit down for a drink or picnic.
- You must continue to maintain social distance from those outside your household. This is in addition to outdoor exercise, which is already permitted
- Pupils and students in all schools and further education settings will be able to return to face-to-face education
- Wraparound childcare can reopen and other children’s activities can restart for all children where it is needed to enable parents to work, attend education, seek medical care or attend a support group. Vulnerable children can attend childcare and other children’s activities in all circumstances
- Students on practical higher education courses at English universities who have not already returned, and would be unable to complete their courses if they did not return to take part in practical teaching, access specialist facilities or complete assessments, will be able to return
- There will continue to be restrictions on international travel. Holidays will not be a permitted reason to travel
those seeking to leave the UK must complete an outbound declaration of travel form ahead of departure
the rules on visiting care homes will change to allow regular indoor visits for a single named visitor
No further significant changes will be made on 8 March, and restrictions requiring people to stay at home will remain in place.
People classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable are advised not to attend work, school or education until 31 March.
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