All the Derbyshire businesses still banned from reopening on Monday, May 17

Boris Johnson gave the green light yesterday for indoor mixing, indoor pints and hugs from Monday, March 17 in the latest round of lockdown easing.
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The Prime Minister told a Downing Street conference that the next phase of lockdown easing in England could go ahead on the same day the Covid-19 alert level in the UK was downgraded to a ‘level 3’ threat.

The news means people will be free to meet friends and family in parks, gardens and other outdoor areas, as the legal limit on outdoor gatherings is raised to 30 people.

Outdoor arenas will be able to host live events with a maximum number of 4,000 attendees, or for large outdoor seated venues where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000.

Confetti is fired into the crowd  (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)Confetti is fired into the crowd  (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)
Confetti is fired into the crowd (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

Gatherings inside homes are allowed once again, with a limit of up to six people or groups from a maximum of two households.

Indoor recreation also returns, with the reopening of cinemas, sports and indoor seating at pubs and restaurants.

As well as doing away with the 10pm curfew, no substantial meal will be required for patrons to enjoy a pint, but they must order, eat and drink while seated to avoid queues at the bar.

However, not everything is able to reopen on May 17.

The final stage of lockdown lifting is due to take place on June 21, allowing for larger events to go ahead and nightclubs to reopen.

Currently, nightclubs in Derbyshire must stay closed and only a limited number of fans will be able to attend large sporting events.

Mr Johnson said current data indicated it might be possible to scrap the “one-metre plus” rule, which would greatly increase flexibility for businesses to increase capacity.

As part of the May 17 changes, people will be given the choice whether to remain two metres from family or friends, meaning they can once again hug and shake hands.

“This doesn’t mean that we can suddenly throw caution to the winds. We all know that close contacts such as hugging is a direct way of transmitting this disease,” Mr Johnson said.

“So I urge you to think about the vulnerability of your loved ones.”