Archive: This article describes restrictions in England in May 2021. They are not current rules. See NHS COVID-19 information for current guidance.

On 10 May 2021, the government confirmed that Step 3 of England’s lockdown roadmap would begin on 17 May. It allowed indoor hospitality and entertainment to reopen and increased the limits on meeting others.

Changes from 17 May 2021

Pubs, cafés and restaurants could serve customers indoors again. Museums, galleries, cinemas, children’s indoor play areas, hotels, hostels and B&Bs could reopen. Organised indoor adult sport and exercise classes could resume, and saunas and steam rooms could reopen.

Up to six people or two households could meet indoors, including for overnight stays, while up to 30 people could meet outdoors. The government advised people to use their own judgement about close contact with family and friends; COVID-secure rules continued to apply in workplaces and businesses.

Some larger events, including conferences, performances and sports events, were permitted. For controlled indoor events the limit was 1,000 people or 50% of venue capacity, whichever was lower. Outdoor events generally had a limit of 4,000 people or 50%, whichever was lower; qualifying large seated outdoor venues had a limit of 10,000 people or 25% of seated capacity, whichever was lower. See the original roadmap for the conditions and exceptions.

Up to 30 people could attend weddings and receptions. The number attending a funeral was determined by the venue’s safe capacity rather than a fixed numerical limit. Support and parent-and-child groups could have up to 30 participants, excluding children under five, and care-home residents could have up to five named visitors.

Travel and education

Domestic overnight stays were permitted within the applicable gathering limits. International leisure travel resumed under a traffic-light system and border requirements; destinations could also have their own entry rules.

Face coverings were no longer recommended for pupils in classrooms and communal areas of secondary schools and colleges. Remaining university students could return to in-person teaching.

On 10 May, the UK’s chief medical officers and NHS England’s national medical director recommended lowering the UK COVID-19 alert level from four to three.