Covid Information

Lockdown Roadmap Ended in July 2021

On July 19, 2021, England entered its final stage of the “Lockdown Roadmap” – a term that refers to the set of four steps taken when easing the measures that the country enforced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first three steps were completed by mid-May and saw non-essential shops, as well as schools, opening up again. Larger groups of people who weren’t from the same household were finally allowed to meet outdoors while bars and restaurants started serving patrons again, albeit still al fresco.

Gatherings and celebrations were also permitted, although the number of attendees was still capped. Many venues also still opted to enforce social distancing and other COVID-19-related measures.

When the Lockdown Roadmap was first announced, the government proposed that the following would be enacted:

• Removal of all legal limits on social contact
• Re-opening of nightclubs
• Lifting of restrictions on large events like weddings and festivals
• COVID-19 testing as a condition of entry

So, were any of these successfully introduced? More importantly, is life in England finally back to the pre-pandemic normal?

Before going into all that, though, let’s first take a look at how the government was able to design the Lockdown Roadmap.

A Brief Breakdown of the Lockdown Roadmap

First unveiled in February by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Lockdown Roadmap was introduced to the public as a four-step process that would ease England’s strict restrictions. While the proposal was detailed and very thorough, the government was quick to note that all phases were subject to the latest scientific data and would be separated by at least five weeks.

Before moving to the final stage, though, the government subjected the latest data to the following tests:

• The success of the vaccine deployment program
• Evidence to prove that the vaccine deployment program effectively reduced the number of COVID-19 cases
• The rates of infection wouldn’t put unsustainable pressure on hospitals, frontline workers, and the entire NHS
• The spread of new COVID-19 variants

England reportedly passed these tests with flying colors, and Step Four of the Lockdown Roadmap was successfully enforced on July 19, 2021, which was a few days earlier than the initial proposed date of June 21.

What Restrictions Did Step Four Lift?

On July 19 2021, Prime Minister Johnson confirmed that almost all legal restrictions that the country had passed regarding social contact would be removed. This meant that the following changes took place in England:

• Removal of limits on the number of people that can meet up with each other
• Lifting of social distancing measures except in certain places, like hospitals
• Wearing face masks is no longer legally required
• Re-opening of nightclubs
• Removal of limits on the number of attendees at weddings, funerals, concerts, theatres, and sports events
• Removal of restrictions regarding communal worship
• Lifting of the table-service only requirement for pubs and restaurants
• Removal of guidance recommending against travel to countries categorized under the Amber List
• Removal of the requirement for minors and fully-vaccinated adults to self-isolate after visiting countries under the Amber List, except for those who travelled to and returned from France

The lifting of these restrictions certainly makes it seem as if life in England is finally returning to normal. But make no mistake, there are still a few measures that remain in place.

What Covid Restrictions Remain in Place in 2022 in the UK?

In 2022, all domestic restrictions have been lifted. Facemasks are no longer a requirement in public. They are still accepted on most forms of public transport and in crowded areas have become a recommendation rather than a necessity for the public to wear to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Vaccinations are still being enrolled and can be obtained at your local vaccination centre. They are still required for some international countries, however, you will not be required to have a vaccination to enter the UK.

What do social distancing security guards do?

The main purpose of a COVID marshal and social distancing security guard is to advise and support members of the public and businesses (BBC.com). Although social distancing security guards cannot enforce the rules that are in place for social distancing, they are very effective at managing the public and ensuring the rules are being followed. They also take a big pressure off police and council officers that do have the powers to enforce the rules as their resources are thinly spread.

There are many jobs that a COVID marshal or social distancing security officer can carry out in their day to day tasks, but all are focused on creating the safest environment for everyone to be in. Their normal tasks consist of:

Social Distancing and queue management:

COVID marshals are very effective at ensuring the public is following social distancing rules and are spread apart and remaining two meters away from each other to stop the spread of the virus. Marshals can manage queues and people flow, such as those queueing to enter a store when retail opens again, and keep everyone feeling as safe as possible.

Face Masks:

COVID marshals can remind the public of the rules that are in place for all of us. They will not demand or accuse members of the public of not following the rules, but they can act as an effective reminder to people that they should be wearing masks at all times when in public spaces if they are able to do so. This will also ensure that other members of the public feel comfortable in whatever environment they are in.

Cleaning assistance:

COVID marshals can assist in the cleaning and sanitisation of areas that are frequently touched in public places, for example, door handles and trolley handles. They can do this to aid other staff and workers to keep everyone safe and take some pressure off other staff members.