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Big changes to Covid restrictions have been made in England and Scotland.

Wales relaxed some rules on 17 July. Northern Ireland is set to ease rules on 26 July.

Social distancing

No limits on how many people can meet1m-plus guidance removed (except in some places like hospitals and passport control when entering)Face coverings no longer required by law, although the government still “expects and recommends” them in crowded and enclosed spacesSome shops and transport operators will still require masks

Events and gatherings

Nightclubs can reopenPubs and restaurants no longer table-service onlyNo limits on guests at weddings and funeralsNo limits on people attending concerts, theatres or sports eventsNo restrictions on communal worship

Travel

Guidance recommending against travel to amber list countries removedUnder-18s and fully vaccinated adults no longer have to self-isolate after visiting amber list countries – although those returning from France to the UK must still quarantine for 10 days

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Other changes

Limits on visitors to care homes will be removed.

From 16 August, most Covid restrictions in schools – including “bubbles” – will end.

From the same date, fully vaccinated adults will not need to self-isolate after contact with a positive case.

People should continue to meet others outside where possible.

Businesses such as nightclubs – and large events – will be encouraged to use the NHS Covid Pass to check people are fully vaccinated. However, they won’t legally have to do so.

People working from home will be encouraged to return to the workplace gradually.

All of Scotland is now in Covid protection level 0.

Up to eight people from up to four households can meet indoors at homeUp to 10 people from up to four households can meet in a public indoor spaceUp to 15 people from up to 15 households can meet outdoors – whether in a private garden or public place (children aged 12 and under not counted)Up to 200 people can attend weddings and funeralsTwo-hour slots to go to a pub or restaurant end, but customers to provide contact details and wear face coverings when not seatedSoft play centres can openCapacity at events rises to 2,000 seated outdoors, 1,000 standing and 400 indoorsPeople fully-vaccinated in the UK -and under-18s travelling with them – no longer have to quarantine after visiting an amber-list country

Guidance is expected on allowing fully vaccinated people to avoid self-isolation after close contact with positive cases.

The government is also considering removing the self-isolation requirement for school pupils.

Masks compulsory on public transport and in shops “for some time”Hospitality venues to close at midnightNightclubs and adult entertainment closedIn indoor public places, social distancing changes from 2m (6ft) to 1m including between different household groupsOutdoor group gatherings limited to 15 people from up to 15 households – no social distancing required within the group, but 1m required between different groupsPeople should carry on working from home

The government hopes to lift most remaining restrictions on 9 August.

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Wales moves to Alert Level 1 on 17 July:

Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodationOrganised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standingIce rinks can reopenNo limits on how many people can meet outdoors in public places, or at events

The six-person limit does not apply if everyone is from the same or extended household.

Adults returning from amber-list countries also no longer have to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated in the UK, and nor do under-18s travelling with them.

Fully jabbed France arrivals must still isolate

The government hopes to move to Alert Level 0 on 7 August. This would mean:

All premises can open, including nightclubs, with most restrictions replaced by risk assessmentsNo legal limits on the number of people who can meet indoors, including private homes

Face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places and on public transport for the present time.

Q&A: What are the new Covid rules in Wales?

Restrictions will be eased further on 26 July, if approved at a review on 22 July.

Changes include:

Fully vaccinated people and under-18s returning from amber list countries will not have to quarantineTheatres and other indoor seated venues will be able to reopenLive music indoors with no restrictions on sound levels10 people from three households able to meet inside a private home15 people from any number of households able to meet in a private gardenSocial distancing reduced to 1m indoors and removed for outdoor activities (although 2m distance still recommended)

What can I do as NI’s Covid restrictions ease?

There are 12 areas of England where the Delta variant is spreading quickly.

These are Bedford, Birmingham, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Brighton and Hove, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Greater Manchester, Lancashire (county council area), Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral), Oxford City and Warrington.

The government says if you live in one of these areas you should read local Covid-19 information and advice.

Most areas remind residents to follow hands, face and space rules:

washing hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and use sanitiserwear a face covering in busy placesmeet friends and family outsidekeep 2m (6ft) apart from people you don’t live with
TRAVEL: What are the rules for travelling abroad?VACCINE: How many people in the UK have been jabbed so far?TREATMENT: What progress are we making on treatments?FACE MASKS: When do I need to wear one?TESTING: How do I get a test?
Coronavirus lockdown measuresCoronavirus pandemicCoronavirus vaccines

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