Boris Johnson to confirm indoor hospitality and cinemas will return next week

9 May 2021, 22:30 | Updated: 10 May 2021, 10:18

Boris Johnson is due to confirm indoor hospitality will return
Boris Johnson is due to confirm indoor hospitality will return. Picture: PA

By Will Taylor

Boris Johnson will confirm further easing of coronavirus restrictions in England during a press conference on Monday afternoon.

From May 17, all but the highest risk businesses reopen, with indoor hospitality set to return, alongside cinemas, hotels and some larger events with restrictions on capacity.

The announcement will see the UK move to step three of the roadmap out of lockdown, on the back of the news that a third of adults have had a second dose of a vaccine.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: all the changes Boris Johnson is set to announce at 5pm press conference

The Government said that data shows another easing should not lead to a surge of infections that overwhelm the NHS.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "The data reflects what we already knew - we are not going to let this virus beat us.

"The Roadmap remains on track, our successful vaccination programme continues – more than two-thirds of adults in the UK have now had the first vaccine – and we can now look forward to unlocking cautiously but irreversibly.

Read more: Hugging friends and family 'to be allowed in two weeks’ time'

Read more: Limit on number of mourners at funerals to be lifted in England

"It's because of the British public's unwavering commitment that we are saving lives, protecting the NHS and controlling the virus."

There is hope he Mr Johnson will also say that hugging is back on the cards, after more than a year of social distancing.

A review into social distancing is also expected to be carried out before the Government moves to step four on June 21 at the earliest.

Johnson says no need to deviate from roadmap despite inevitable deaths

More than 35 million people have a had a first dose of a Covid vaccine, while more than 17 million have received their second jab.

Downing Street said that infections are at their lowest level since September, with hospital admissions similar to July, after months of lockdown.

Mr Johnson is also set to express his gratitude to the public for the sacrifices they have made to get coronavirus under control.

Read more: Thousands flock to pilot music festival in Liverpool after negative Covid tests

Under step three, indoor hospitality will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcohol, and there will be no curfew – but table service will remain.

The rest of the accommodation sector will also return, as will indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.

Customers will soon be able to enjoy indoor hospitality after weeks of outdoor dining
Customers will soon be able to enjoy indoor hospitality after weeks of outdoor dining. Picture: PA

Performances of up to 1,000 people or half-full venues – whichever number is smaller – can be permitted, while outdoor venues could hold performances for up to 4,000 people or at half capacity.

In the largest outdoor seated venues, where the crowd can be spaced out, up to 10,000 people can attend, or a quarter of capacity, whichever is lower.

Weddings, receptions, wakes and funerals will have a limit of 30 people, as will other significant life events like christenings and bar mitzvahs.

The social distancing review will see when and where the one-metre plus social distancing rule can be lifted.

Working from home should continue until this review is complete.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Russia bombed Ukrainian infrastructure overnight

Russia launches 'massive attack' on Ukraine's power supplies, with 'energy security under growing threat'

Newry Magistrates' Court

Man, 61, charged with non-recent sexual offences in Northern Ireland

Drivers queuing in Dover on Friday morning

Holidaymakers hit with 2-hour Dover ferry waits amid strong winds, as 2.6m hit the roads for Good Friday getaway

The attack happened on a train in south London

Teenager charged with attempted murder after south London train stabbing, with victim still in critical condition

Mother Natalie Pinnell

Mother left in tears after daughter with complex needs 'erased' from school photo

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard have both been nominated to the Garrick Club

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard among seven women nominated for membership of all-male Garrick Club

Exclusive
Anneliese Dodds said Labour would make sure local people have 'skin in the game' with tackling inequality

'Rebuild has to start from ground up,' Labour's Anneliese Dodds says, and 'local people must have skin in the game'

Mohamed Mansour has been awarded a knighthood

Conservatives accused of 'cronyism' after donor who gave £5 million awarded knighthood in surprise honours list

Exclusive
Justin Welby recalled his experience of coping with his father's drinking as a teenager.

‘It was utterly isolating’: Archbishop of Canterbury recalls harrowing childhood with alcoholic father

More than 2 million drivers are set to hit the road on Good Friday.

Easter Carmageddon: Over two million drivers to hit the road on Good Friday after Storm Nelson travel chaos

Michael Gove has slammed the water firm as a 'disgrace'.

Thames Water bosses branded a ‘disgrace’ as Michael Gove tells firm ‘not to punish consumers’ for its failings

South Africa Bus Crash

Girl, 8, the sole survivor as 45 die in bus crash off South Africa bridge

A spokesman has denied reports the sausage dog could be banned.

The wurst news is over: Germany denies claims of sausage dog ban

Israel Palestinians Britain Aid

UN top court orders Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza

Greece Confidence Vote

Greece’s government survives no-confidence motion called over rail disaster

A council has had to apologise following the incident.

Fury as parents offered version of school class photo without complex needs pupils