It's less than a month until all lockdown rules are set to be lifted.

June 21 marks the day that all rules restrictions what people can and cannot do are expected to ease, including social distancing being removed.

Boris Johnson has said he intends to tell people by the end of the month if the final Covid-19 restrictions can be lifted on June 21.

Doubt had been cast on the last step on the roadmap out of the lockdown due to the rising numbers of the Indian coronavirus variant.

Step 4 - not before June 21

Social contact

By Step 4 which will take place no earlier than June 21, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.

Business, activities and events

The government hope to reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3.

This will be subject to the results of a scientific Events Research Programme to test the outcome of certain pilot events through the spring and summer, where the government will trial the use of testing and other techniques to cut the risk of infection.

The same Events Research Programme will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.

The government website explains: "As the country moves through each of these phases in the roadmap, we must all remember that Covid-19 remains a part of our lives.

"We public are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the Coid-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar."

The rules that changed on May 17 include:

  • Indoor attractions can re-open, including cinemas, theatres, casinos, museums, children's indoor play areas and more, with necessary Covid-secure measures in place
  • Visitors can now attend indoor and outdoor events, including live performances, sports and business events
  • Indoor hospitality businesses can fully re-open, with indoor dining now permitted
  • Indoor sport can take place for all
  • All holiday accommodation can re-open, including hotels and B&Bs, and can be used by up to six people, or two households
  • The limit on funeral attendance is no longer limited to 30, instead permitting the number of people who can safely social distance within the venue
  • The limit on weddings, wakes and other events has increased to 30 people
  • Five named visitors (two at any one time) can visit care home residents – provided they test negative for Covid-19
  • Higher education can begin in-person again
  • Support groups and parent and child group limits have been increased to 30 people (not including under 5s)
  • Traffic light system has been introduced for those wishing to travel to another country, and the rules – depending on which country travelled to – must be followed when returning to the UK