What changes will be made to Covid lockdown restrictions on June 21?

Wedding guest list limit of 30 will be dropped tomorrow and care home trips and big wakes will also be allowed but rule of six stays and nightclubs remain closed

  • Restrictions limiting the capacity at weddings to 30 will be lifted from June 21
  • More than 30 people will also be allowed to attend wakes and funerals as well
  • Care home residents will be allowed to make visits outside without isolating
  • Nightclubs remain closed, while cinemas will be kept at 50 per cent capacity 

New lockdown easing measures will be introduced in England tomorrow – though not as many as first hoped.

The Government has pushed back its June 21 ‘Freedom Day’ by four weeks – to July 19 – amid concerns over the Delta variant.

But people in England will be given back some freedoms from tomorrow – most of which centre around large scale events and celebrations. 

Here MailOnline looks at what people in England can do from June 21, and what rules will be delayed:

Weddings

July and August are widely regarded as the peak months for weddings in the UK. And for those hoping to get hitched this summer, there is good news.

From June 21, the Government is to lift capacity restrictions on weddings, meaning more than 30 people can attend.

The current rules allow up to 30 people to attend weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

From June 21, the Government is to lift capacity restrictions on weddings, meaning more than 30 people can attend

But venues will now be able to choose a safe number of guests themselves, after carrying out risk assessments.

Weddings organised on private land, such as gardens, will also see capacity limits lifted. 

However, like private venues, organisers will have to carry out risk assessments prior to the wedding.

And you won’t be able to take to the dance floor at the wedding. Though the couple’s first dance is allowed, dancing is ‘advised against due to the increased risk of transmission’ 

Congregational and communal singing is also ‘strongly advised against’. 

Wakes

Like weddings, wakes have been limited to 30 people. But this has been contentious because funeral limits were lifted in May.

as of June 21 the limits on wakes will now be lifted, bringing them in line with funerals and weddings.

It meant that families could invite an unlimited number of guests to a funeral, but had to limit the number who could attend the wake.

But as of June 21 the limits on wakes will now be lifted, bringing them in line with funerals and weddings.

Care Homes

Indoor visits to care homes, for up to five named guests, were re-introduced in May.

But restrictions have remained for those wanting to leave the care home to visit other people.

Restrictions have remained for those wanting to leave the care home to visit other people. That is changing from June 21. In England, rules on visits outside care homes will be relaxed

That is changing from June 21. In England, rules on visits outside care homes will be relaxed.

Residents will not have to isolate after spending time away from the care home with family and friends – including overnight stays. 

Boris Johnson said: ‘The requirement for residents to isolate for 14 days after visits out of care homes will also be removed in most cases.’

Residents who leave to visit hospital will still have to isolate for 14 days on their return, however. 

Nightclubs

Unfortunately, those hoping for a return to the nightclub dancefloor will have to wait at least another month before they can start busting a move again.

Nightclubs have been closed since March last year, when lockdown was first  announced in the UK.

Nightclubs have been closed since March last year, when lockdown was first announced in the UK

And they will not be allowed to reopen until at least July 19 now, after the Government pushed back Freedom Day another four weeks.

Time to put those dancing shoes back on the shelf.

Cinemas and Theatres

Theatre-goers and film-lovers have been able to return to venues since May.

But venues have been restricted in terms of capacity. And those restrictions are set to remain beyond June 21.

Cinemas and theatres will continue to be limited to 50 per cent capacity, until at least July 19

Cinemas and theatres will continue to be limited to 50 per cent capacity, until at least July 19.

Masks

Facemasks still have to be worn in indoor public areas such as shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as public transport.

Facemasks still have to be worn in indoor public areas such as shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as public transport

Those who fail to wear a mask without a medical or similar exemption can be fined £200. 

Social Distancing

The rule of six remains in place indoors in England beyond June 21, while up to 30 people are able to meet outdoors.

That will not change until at least July 19.

The rule of six remains in place indoors in England beyond June 21, while up to 30 people are able to meet outdoors

Working from home

Many office workers have been preparing to head back to their desk on June 21.

But the Government is not lifting its work from home guidance tomorrow.

Instead, the Government will continue to advise people to work from home where possible.

The rule will remain in place until at least July 19. 

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