On 22 February 2021, the Government published its ‘Roadmap out of Lockdown’ which set out how national coronavirus restrictions would be eased in stages, with reviews taking place on set dates.
We passed the first milestone and changes to restrictions came on the 8 March, with the re-opening of schools and allowing people to meet one on one outdoors. It is possible that most restrictions on social contact could be lifted by 21 June, however this is the earliest possible date and is subject to the step by step review process.
We have now passed the second review stage, and another change to the restrictions on social contact has now been introduced. Six people, or a larger group if just two households are present, can meet outside including in private gardens. This change in the restrictions will allow people to reconnect with their loved ones and safely begin to have more of the social contact we have been missing.
Evidence shows that meeting outdoors is safer than meeting indoors, as you are much less likely to pass on or catch coronavirus in the open air, particularly if you are also adhering to social distancing, and limiting the number of people you meet in line with the guidance.
It is also important to remember that while the requirement to stay at home has also been lifted, the advice is to minimise travel but if you do need to travel, to plan your trip carefully, wash your hands often, social distance and wear a mask in all applicable settings. Overnight stays outside of your own home are still not permitted including over Easter weekend, when we know people will be making plans to meet up outdoors. Trips abroad are still not allowed unless for certain exempted reasons.
These steps will help stop the transmission of coronavirus from different areas of the country, and from household to household. See the guidance for more information on how to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Whilst the number of people with coronavirus is reducing, and the number of people who have received their vaccination is increasing every day, it is still vitally important that we take these protective actions as we see restrictions slowly lifting.
Spring is here and with an Easter break from school, lots of people will likely be enjoying a break from work too. We know how much people want to be reunited with their loved ones and while the restrictions protecting us won’t last forever, they remain very important right now.
Whilst the vaccination programme is making great progress and coronavirus infection rates continue to fall, we are still in an important moment where infections could start rising again if we do not continue to act to keep ourselves and others safe.
Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will offer people personal protection and everyone should have confidence in the effectiveness of their jab, but being vaccinated doesn’t mean the restrictions no longer apply as you may still be able to pass on the virus even once you have had the vaccine. It will continue to keep us all safe if we stick to the rules following vaccination and as we continue learning about how the virus is transmitted by people who are vaccinated.
Whilst infections have been successfully reduced during this national lockdown, case numbers are still relatively high in certain parts of the country, and it is important to remember that around one in three people do not get symptoms and can pass on COVID-19 unknowingly.
This is why, as we begin to mix more outdoors, staying two metres apart, washing our hands regularly and wearing a face covering in all settings where it is required will keep making a vital contribution to keeping infection rates low. If we mingle at close quarters, or relax our vigilance about these steps and the restrictions in place, even after we have had the vaccine, we could undo what we have all made huge sacrifices to achieve.
While many vulnerable people have now received a vaccine, and people in their 50s are now eligible, not everyone at risk of serious illness is protected. Those who are not yet vaccinated remain at the same risk of catching the virus if they come into contact with it and of becoming very unwell as a consequence.
If we follow the guidance by keeping our plans local, coupled with protective actions such as remaining in small groups and only meeting outdoors, we can save lives. Doing this will also keep us on track towards society opening up fully, and regaining the rewards and joys we remember from before the pandemic.
Social contact
The evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. And this is why from 29 March, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households are allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.
Business and activities
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.
Travel
The ‘stay at home’ rule ended on 29 March but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme. The government has launched a new taskforce to review global travel which will report on 12 April.
 The next stage in the roadmap for easing restrictions will come no earlier than 12 April, where we will hopefully see non-essential retail open, hair salons and beauty treatment resume and gyms and pools re-open. Hospitality such as pubs and restaurants will also open with outdoor service only.
People are rightfully feeling optimistic about the coming months and we have much to look forward to. We all want to get there and together we can, if we keep our focus on following the guidance and protecting ourselves and others throughout the different stages of the roadmap.
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- Advice to the clinically extremely vulnerable to shield ceases from Thursday 1 April, as virus infection rates continue to fall
- People on shielded patient list will receive letters from today with updated guidance on steps people can take to reduce their risk
- More than 9 in 10 clinically extremely vulnerable people have been vaccinated with a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
In line with the government’s COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021 roadmap published last month, those on the shielded patient list can begin to follow the national restrictions alongside the rest of the population, but are still advised to take extra precautions to keep themselves safe from COVID-19.
Letters to patients with updated guidance will be arriving from today and over the next 2 weeks. These set out practical steps people can follow to reduce their risk of catching the virus, including continuing to maintain strict social distancing and to keep their overall social contacts at low levels, such as working from home where possible.
 As restrictions ease, we are expecting a bumper tourism season, especially it’s looking unlikely people are going to unable to go abroad. Things are going to be really busy in North Devon so it’s important to be prepared for this and expect places to be a lot busier.
All of these extra visitors may slow things down a bit and cause a bit of disruption but it’s going to be so fantastic for all of our tourism businesses and boost our local which is so desperately needed. So let’s welcome them with open arms and show them what a fantastic place North Devon is!
 On 3 March 2021, the Chancellor announced that he would be providing a one-off grant called the Restart Grant (RG) from 1 April 2021.
It is a one-off business grant available to non-essential retail businesses (Strand One), and hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym or sport business premises (Strand Two).
This grant replaces the Local Restrictions Support Grant from April 2021 onwards (for eligible businesses).
Please do not contact us directly about this grant scheme, we are busy working to get this application process launched as soon as possible, whilst managing the other grants schemes that are still running.
Updated information will be provided on our website and on our social media pages.
 For up to date information on cases across Devon, visit the Devon County Council Coronavirus dashboard:
Avoid misinformation on Coronavirus - only follow advice from official, trusted sources.
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