York leaders welcome further easing of lockdown – and urge people to support city businesses

York leaders have welcomed confirmation that England will be further eased out of lockdown next Monday.

People in England will be able to hug loved ones, dine in restaurants and go on holiday abroad from next week, Boris Johnson has confirmed.

The move to the next stage of the road map out of lockdown on May 17 came as the Covid-19 alert level in the UK was downgraded after a “consistent” fall in cases, hospital admissions and deaths.

The Prime Minister said: ““This unlocking amounts to a very considerable step on the road map to normality and I am confident that we will be able to go further.”

From May 17:

• People will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to 30.
• People will be able to meet indoors in groups of six, or two households.
• Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve customers indoors, although they will be limited to table service.
• Cinemas, museums, theatres and concert halls will be allowed to reopen although there will be capacity limits on large events.
• The “stay in the UK” restriction will lift and people will be able to travel to “green list” countries, such as Portugal although they are still being advised not to go to destinations on the amber list.
• Up to 30 people will be allowed at weddings, although dancing will still not be allowed, and the cap on the number of mourners attending funerals will be lifted, in line with the safe capacity of the venue.
• Secondary school pupils will no longer be told to wear face masks in class and communal areas.

‘Keep supporting local’

The announcement will means more of York’s businesses reopening from next week, particularly with the return of indoor hospitality.

Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their work in reducing the spread of the virus. Our collective efforts have made this possible and means that we will be able to do more of the things that we have missed so much.

“I would encourage everyone to keep supporting local businesses as more of them reopen. 

It has been great to see so many people enjoying the city safely in recent weeks, and long may that continue.”

Fiona Phillips, assistant director of public health said: “We have come a long way since the start of the year where we saw a surge in the number of cases.

“That we have come so far is testament to everyone’s efforts.

“We have all missed indoor hospitality and the chance to see more of our friends greatly so it is fantastic that from next week we can do that and that more of the city’s businesses can open.

“We continue to offer support to businesses to help them operate safely.

“We want the city to stay open and us to continue to progress. Whilst this is fantastic news and we are making real progress we all need to keep protecting each other.

“Please continue with hands, face, space and fresh air, get tested and when you are called for your vaccine please roll up your sleeve and get the jab. Every vaccination gives us hope and the roll out has been a huge success so far.”