From today, March 29th, a number of COVID restrictions in England have been eased. The Stay-At-Home order has been removed although people are encouraged to continue working from home if possible and to minimise the number of journeys they take. Overnight stays remain banned.
Up to 6 people from different households are now able to meet outdoors. This number can be larger if it includes only 2 households. Indoor mixing is not allowed.
Outdoor sports facilities can re-open and formally organised sports events that involve more than 6 people can take place. Services can take place inside places of worship and children over 5 can resume using childcare services.
Impact for visitors: whilst I am able to take people on walking tours by adhering to the rule of 6/2 household - overnight stays are not allowed and museums and restaurants remain closed so this is only likely to benefit people in the local area.
England continues to be on track with its vaccination programme with over 30 million adults receiving their first dose so it is looking positive for the next stages in the relaxation of the COVID restrictions. Subject to conditions being met, from April 12th, overnight stays will be allowed using self-contained accommodation e.g. AirBnB, Stonehenge will re-open as will Bath's Thermae Bath Spa and restaurants will be able to serve meals outdoors. From May 17th we should see the visitors experience returning back to "normal" with all hotels and museums re-opening and restaurants and pubs being able to serve indoors. We are getting there!
In the next week or two we hope to have more information on rules for international visitors. I will keep you posted!