Can I see my family and friends on Easter Bank Holiday 2021?

As England gradually eases out of lockdown, cautiously following the Prime Ministers four-stage roadmap, the 'stay home' message will change to 'stay local'.

From March 29, larger groups of up to six people or two households will also be allowed to gather in parks and gardens.

However, progress on the next steps out of lockdown will depend on meeting four tests: the success of the vaccine rollout, evidence of vaccine efficacy, an assessment of new variants, and keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

Here is all you need to know about the rule changes from March 29.

Will I be able to see my family over Easter?

New measures will allow either two households or a group of no more than six people, to meet outdoors.

Easter bank holiday celebrations with loved ones can take place in private gardens or public outdoor spaces such as parks.

What can I do with my children over Easter?

From March 29, outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will be allowed to reopen.

People will also be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

This may provide a much need stress relief for both parents and children alike.

Walks and picnics and BBQ's outdoors are permitted providing you follow the social distancing mesaures and the rule of six.

Can I travel outside of Hampshire to meet friends and family?

The government have not yet clarified what ‘stay local’ means.

However, the government website states that people should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

The current guidelines state that when meeting another person this should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary.

Will I have to follow social distancing measures?

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Social distancing measures must still be maintained and the ‘hands face space’ message still applies.

Evidence shows it is still safer for people to meet outdoors than indoors and given the vast number of open spaces in Hampshire you should be able to stay two metres apart.

Where a two-metre distance is not possible, you can stay '1 metre plus' apart - the 'plus' means adding additions safety precautions such as wearing a face covering.

Can I book a staycation or a holiday abroad for Easter?

Staycations will not be allowed over the easter break with the roadmap stating UK hotels and B&B’s can begin to open no earlier than May 17.

Non-essential foreign travel is currently prohibited for the foreseeable future to reduce the risk of new variants spreading across the UK.

The government has launched a new taskforce to review global travel which will report on 12 April.

What has been said locally?

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Southampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said: “As restrictions are eased on March 29 as part of the government’s four-step roadmap we must continue to follow national guidance and stay local. We encourage residents to avoid non-essential travel to help protect others.

“It’s important that as things open up, and we return to the rule of six or two households meeting up outdoors, and some outdoor activities being allowed, that we all keep washing our hands, wear face coverings, and give at least two metres of space when near others. We still can’t mix with other households indoors.

“We have expanded symptom-free testing to help us get back to normal and keep workplaces and public spaces safe as more things open. If you need to leave home for work or have kids in school or early years, make sure you get tested regularly to help break the chains of transmission. You can find out more and book tests on our website at southampton.gov.uk/symptomfreetest.

“I would also encourage everyone to keep an eye on the NHS website to make sure you book in for your vaccine as soon as you are eligible, or when you are contacted by your GP.  

“By taking these actions we can ensure we can stick to the plan to return to normal life on June 21.”

Councillor Keith Mans, leader of Hampshire County Council and Chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board said: “While the next stage in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown is that from March 29 we can increase outdoor socialising, it is really important that we continue to do everything we can to follow the rules – staying close to home wherever possible – while observing the hands-face-space guidance at all times.

“Very positively, we are seeing an ongoing reduction in infection rates across the county, thanks to the huge efforts of local people and the impact of the vaccine roll-out, but now is not the time to be complacent and compromise all the good progress made. I urge Hampshire residents to continue taking a cautious approach, while enjoying the new freedoms.”