Today is the day for the first time since Christmas in Devon pubs will welcome guests indoors and restaurants will be able to enjoy the sound of happy patrons again. Only this time we don’t have to order food to buy a drink.
It is also the first time we can see loved ones without having to take an umbrella with us.
May 17th is the day step three of the government’s lockdown on coronavirus goes into effect, which means a series of changes to what we are allowed to do all over again.
In addition to social visits, pubs and restaurants, this also means that people can again spend foreign holidays, provided the government’s traffic light system allows it. Visits to a limited number of countries based on their coronavirus cases and vaccination progress are permitted again, provided proof of vaccination and / or a negative coronavirus test is available.
In addition, weddings and other life events such as funerals, receptions, guards, and bar mitzvahs can be held for up to 30 people.
Sporting events may also welcome a limited capacity for events that are subject to a capacity or a cap, whichever is smaller.
There is currently no tier system, which means that scenes where no different rules apply in different locations will not be repeated.
Some rules remain in place when businesses like nightclubs are not yet allowed to open. Depending on how far the government’s four tests have progressed, this could change on June 21 of next month.
We’ll keep you updated on our live blog below with the latest news from the places it’s out of order for some the first working day after five months.
Are you a company opening your doors today? Contact us by email at devonlive@reachplc.com
Scroll down for the latest updates.