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As lockdown measures slowly lift in England, you’d be forgiven for being a little rusty when it comes to knowing what you can and can’t do.
We know pubs, restaurants and hair salons are preparing to open, but a key question many of us are asking is: when can I properly visit family and friends?
The good news is change is coming – from July 4. Here’s a quick guide to what you will – and won’t – be able to do if you live in England and aren’t shielding.
You can meet indoors at someone else’s house
You’ll be able to meet in groups of up to two households in any location – which means you can finally go indoors. That said, you’ll need to socially distance from anyone who isn’t in your household or support bubble – remember, if you’ve formed a support bubble, you’re classed as one household.
You don’t always have to meet with the same household, states the new advice. So you could go to a friend’s house for dinner one night, and another friend’s house the next.
You can stay over at someone’s house
People in support bubbles can already stay over at another household, but the rest of the population (except those shielding) will be able to do so from July 4.
You can stay overnight, along with your own household or support bubble, at another household – but social distancing rules still apply.
You can meet your mates at restaurants, pubs, cinemas, visitor attractions, hotels, and campsites
Lots of businesses are opening again in July, so you can organise a camping trip or book a restaurant visit with friends or family – just remember to socially distance.
If you do decide to head to the pub or to a restaurant, you can only mingle with members from one other household.
You can meet up outdoors
The rule on this hasn’t changed much – you can continue to meet outside in groups of up to six people from different households, as long as you follow social distancing guidelines.
It will be against the law to gather in groups larger than 30 people – except for a limited set of circumstances to be set out in law – and unless all members of the group are exclusively from two households.
But no parties, sorry
People have been explicitly asked not to hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it’s difficult to maintain social distancing.
What about shielders?
Those shielding in England will be allowed to gather in groups of up to six people outdoors from July 6. Then, from August 1, the guidance to shield – and the support provided – will be scrapped in England entirely, allowing people who are shielding to do the same as the rest of the population. But charities have warned people should only do so if they feel comfortable.
Alison Cook, director of external affairs at Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, said: “It’s really important people who have been shielding are confident that when they go out, they’re not going to be at risk of coming into contact with the virus, which could still have severe consequences for them as individuals. Shielding remains a personal decision.”