Great News: UK Roadmap Out of Lockdown

It is estimated that all restrictions are to be lifted by 21st June at the earliest. The timeline demonstrates the important dates and the respective actions to be taken. Life in the UK will probably be back to normal if everything goes according to the plan set by the government. The four stages to lift all Covid restrictions in the UK are as follows:

UK Roadmap Stages

The roadmap comprises four major steps. The UK government prioritizes the safety of its citizens and residents including international students. Therefore, the lifts depend majorly on how things will progress with time. The government will closely evaluate the situation and different factors such as the progress of the vaccination program, the number of deaths and the number of infections to decide whether to continue according to Boris Johnson’s plan.

• Stage one:

From 8 March 2021

• All schools and colleges will reopen.
• University students can return for practical courses.

From 29 March 2021

• People will be allowed to meet outside. “Stay at home” order will be lifted.
• Outdoor sports facilities will reopen.
• Stage two: 12 April 2021 at the earliest
• All shops will be allowed to open.
• Restaurants and pub gardens will be allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors.
• Gyms and spas can reopen for individuals and households.
• Zoos, theme parks and libraries and community centers can reopen.
• Stage three: 17 May 2021 at the earliest
• People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors.
• Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors.
• The remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open.
• Museums, theatres, cinemas and children's play areas can open.
• Performances and large events will be subject to limits(e.g. Half capacity).
• Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen.
• Stage four: 21 June 2021 at the earliest

All legal outdoor and indoor limits on social contact will be removed. However, the roadmap states: “Some measures may be required even after all adults have been offered a vaccine because neither coverage nor effectiveness of the vaccine will be 100 per cent.”

Safety First!

The gradual, yet well-studied, lift of restrictions under careful supervision and planning will ensure life will get back to normal according to the timeline set by the government. The UK was among the first countries to approve vaccination and it has been doing a great job with it. The vaccination includes current International students who are waiting for their turn to come alongside other groups. While waiting for their turn, the students are safe and well protected inside and outside classrooms.

The UK did a good job to ensure students continue with their education throughout the pandemic. Even during the toughest months of the lockdown, higher education was not stopped completely and Internationals Students were able (and are still able) to travel to their universities and start their courses.

One thing is for sure, the UK will be among the first countries worldwide to positively overturn the Covid-19 situation in the next few months. Thanks to the new roadmap, international students will be able to get the full British experience while getting a quality education.