Covid-19: Government proposal for a phased easing of restrictions
The Ministry of Health is introducing a plan to lift domestic COVID-19 restrictions in phases, in line with the progress of the vaccination programme.
COVID-19: Government proposal for the phased lifting of domestic restrictions
The Ministry of Health is introducing a phased plan to lift domestic COVID-19 restrictions, based on the progress of the vaccination programme. It is planned that all domestic restrictions may be lifted in the latter half of June, when approximately 75% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. The plan will be published for consultation on the government's consultation portal, and the deadline for submissions is 4 May.
See the announcement on the website of the Cabinet Office.
The easing plan is in four stages and is based on the progress of the vaccination programme. The plan is presented with regard to how quickly the population can be vaccinated and is also published subject to the assessment of the Director of Public Health on the circumstances and the status of the pandemic at any given time.
The first step of the easing has already been taken with relaxations to the gathering restrictions and in school activities, which came into effect on 15th April. The limit on gatherings was increased from 10 to 20 people, swimming pools, gyms, etc. were allowed to reopen with restrictions, performing arts could resume, and a number of other measures were introduced.
First half of May: More may come together
It is planned that early in May, a second step to ease the domestic restrictions will be possible when at least 35% of the population have been vaccinated. It is anticipated that venue capacity limits will be increased, with limits set between 20 and 200 people. A more generous exemption from the social distancing rule and a higher capacity limit for certain activities are also planned.
Late May: Social distancing will be 1 metre and venue capacity limits will be further relaxed.
By the latter half of May, it is expected that at least 501,000 people will have been vaccinated and that the vaccination of individuals with underlying health conditions will be well underway. It will then be possible to significantly ease mass restrictions, which will be set at between 100 and 1,000 people. At the same time, the social distancing rule will be reduced from two metres to one.
Second half of June: All domestic restrictions lifted
It is expected that all domestic restrictions will be lifted in the latter half of June. By that time, it is expected that around 751,000 of the country's inhabitants will have been vaccinated at least once.
The basis of the de-escalation plan is, on the one hand, the existing plans for vaccine deliveries and the objectives of the supply contracts, and on the other hand, the vaccination plan of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.