New coronavirus laws outlining how restrictions affecting the UK are to be gradually eased will come into force next week.
The bill, which contains a ban on foreign travel, essentially replaces the previous tier system with a series of “steps”.
Rules will gradually ease as areas move from Step 1 to Step 3. At the moment, all of England is in Step 1.
These follow the government’s proposed roadmap out of lockdown for England.
Entitled the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021, the laws will be voted on by MPs on Thursday.
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At the same time, MPs will vote on whether to extend a separate piece of legislation, the Coronavirus Act, for a further six months.
Here is what the changes will mean.
‘Tiers’ replaced with ‘steps’
Step 1, which begins from Monday, permits up to six people meeting outdoors but restricts indoor gatherings of two or more people. Some outdoor sports are permitted.
Then in Step 2, which is scheduled to start no earlier than 12 April, non-essential shops, hairdressers and outdoor areas in hospitality venues can reopen.
Libraries and gyms will also be permitted to open and weddings will be able to take place with up to 15 people.
Step 3, expected to apply from 17 May at the earliest, further eases rules on gatherings with groups of six allowed to meet indoors and up to 30 people outside.
It suggests anyone who breaks such rules could face a £5,000 fine.
There is also a £200 fixed penalty notice for failing to fill in a travel declaration form – giving personal details and reason for travel – for those planning to leave the UK.
The travel ban does not apply to those going to the common travel area of the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland unless that is not the final destination.
Exemptions also apply including for those needing to travel for work, study, for legal obligations or to vote, if they are moving, selling or renting property, for some childcare reasons or to be present at a birth, to visit a dying relative or close friend, to attend a funeral, for those getting married or to attend the wedding of a close relative, for medical appointments or to escape a risk of harm.
Human rights barrister Adam Wagner, who deciphers the lockdown rules on Twitter for the public, said: “Previously, the ‘holiday ban’ which the government had advertised was assumed rather than explicit – because going on holiday wasn’t a reasonable excuse, it was assumed you couldn’t be outside of your home to do so. But now it is explicit.”
Protests will once again be a permitted exception to rules banning group gatherings under the laws if it is organised by a business, public or political body or other group and as long as organisers take the “required precautions”, which is likely to include measures like ensuring people wear face masks and are socially distanced.
It comes after campaigners, MPs and peers called on ministers to make clear protests were permitted amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Sam Grant, head of policy and campaigns at human rights group Liberty, said: “It is welcome that the next stage of lockdown contains the explicit exemption we’ve been calling for – this should have remained in place throughout the current lockdown, and it is unacceptable for it to wait until next week.”
How long will these last?
The need for the restrictions must be reviewed by 12 April, and at least once every 35 days thereafter.
The laws expire on 30 June, unless they are scrapped or amended in the meantime.
What is being extended to October?
On Thursday, MPs will also vote to extend emergency powers in the Coronavirus Act for another six months.
If approved, it would take them beyond the 21 June date earmarked in the government’s road map for all restrictions in England ending.
Ministers have said the act needs extending to support the furlough scheme, virtual court hearings and the extension of statutory sick pay.
Fifteen provisions no longer required are being removed or suspended in a move that may ease tensions between the government and Tory backbenchers who are unhappy with the length of the extension.
While the vote will provide the legal basis for the act to remain in place for a further six months, the entire act and all its provisions are to be reviewed in a report published every two months.
