BORIS Johnson’s Covid roadmap regulations have passed through the Commons tonight and will come into force from Monday.
It enshrines in law the unlocking plan for England and Wales, which will expire at the end of July.
Labour backed the changes to the regulations, meaning it sailed through without any major hiccups this afternoon.
MPs also voted through an extension of the Coronavirus Act, which gives ministers emergency powers during the crisis – including slashing red tape so ex-doctors can return to the NHS, sick pay, furlough and other powers.
Some grumpy MPs rebelled against the plans – saying they were in place for far too long long after lockdown rules are set to be lifted.
They have long argued that Britain should be able to lift lockdown sooner as our vaccine rollout is going so well – and cases are rapidly declining.
Here’s what has just been put in law, and when we can expect it.
Step 1 – March 29:
From Monday Brits will be finally told they do not need to ‘stay at home’ anymore as the message will be ditched and replaced with ‘stay local’.
Millions of Brits were ordered to stay at home under the third national lockdown, working from their own house and unable to meet up with friends in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid.
The Rule of Six will return to let Brits meet up with six mates from Monday too – but only outside.
Outdoor sports will be back on too from Monday, with tennis, golf and outdoor pools to reopen.
However, the new Covid regulations will come in on Monday, meaning that people in England and Wales will be formally banned from going on holiday – and face a £5,000 fine if they are caught.
Already Brits have to fill in paperwork before they travel – and they can be fined £200 if they don’t have it.
Step 2 – April 12:
England’s freedom really does return in earnest from April.
Gyms will be able to reopen – for just for individual training.
Shaggy-haired people will finally be allowed to get a hair cut.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to serve food and drink outside.
You will be able to go others outside your household to drink at the pub, but only up to six, or two households.
Holiday homes are permitted to reopen too, but people are only allowed to be inside with their own household still.
The stay local order will lift and people can make trips across the country if they want to.
Shops will also be able to open their doors again.
Step 3 – May 17:
Finally, by May, pubs and restaurants can throw their doors open properly, to welcome customers inside.
The rule of six will still apply.
Closer contact services like spas and saunas can now reopen, along with other indoor activities like bingo halls, cinemas and bowling alleys.
Two households will be able to mix indoors overnight.
10,000 fans are set to be allowed back into stadiums for sport and big events – but it’s likely they will have to have a negative lateral flow test first.
Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings and funerals.
It’s hoped Brits will be able to go on holiday abroad from this point, but the PM won’t make an announcement on that until April 5 at the earliest.
Step 4 – June 21:
The PM has said he hoped all other Covid restrictions would be able to be lifted by now.
It’s hoped there will be no cap on the number of people allowed at weddings and receptions by then.
Nightclubs will also finally be allowed to reopen after staying shut for the past year.
31 July
It is hoped the Covid laws will be left to expire then – but ministers will confirm this nearer to the time.
