As we enter the next phase of the easing of lockdown with indoor venues such as pubs and restaurants, and arts and music venues opening from 17 May, it is important to remind ourselves of what has not changed. The Government guidance (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do confirms that individuals should continue to "work from home if you can." Also, "if you cannot work from home you should continue to travel to your workplace." The guidance states that employers should facilitate working from home at this time, including providing suitable IT equipment to enable remote working. Where people cannot work from home employers should allow for staggered arrival and departure times to make travel easier, and should give consideration to those at higher risk. Face coverings are still required on public transport and in public spaces. When working, people should remain two metres apart from anyone they do not live with, or at least one metre with additional mitigations such as other COVID-secure measures (e.g. handwashing) which should still be followed in the workplace.

The Guidance also states that, where it is necessary for their work, individuals can gather in a group larger than six people or two households indoors or in a group larger than 30 people outdoors. 

While the Prime Minister has indicated that the country is on track to meet the next phase, with all restrictions expected to cease on the 21 June, given the recent reports that the Indian variant of COVID-19 is of concern it remains to be seen whether this will affect Step 4 of the Government's roadmap. We will be reporting further when the results of the government's review into safe working practices are known (review expected to conclude in late June).