Lockdown restrictions ease today, as non-essential retail opens up and pubs and restaurant can serve customers, albeit outside only.

shop open

You must, however, continue to wear a face covering in enclosed public places like shops (unless you are medically exempt), wash your hands often for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser, and keep two metres apart from anyone you don’t live with, even when you are socialising.

We are being strongly advised to take up the vaccine when offered — get a test and self-isolate if you have symptoms.

The new rules, in brief

  • Rule of six, or two households, meeting outdoors only (unless you are in a support bubble which can meet indoors)
  • Non-essential retail can re-open
  • Personal care premises can re-open
  • Indoor gym sessions can take place for individuals or households (but not mixed groups)
  • Outdoor attractions, such as zoos, theme parks, or drive-in cinemas, cam re-open
  • Hospitality venues can provide food and drink outdoors
  • You can stay away from home overnight in self-contained accommodation with your household

‘We can’t be complacent’

Rachel Wigglesworth, director of public health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “The easing of the roadmap is welcome and many of us will be excited to meet friends, get our hair done, and have some feeling of freedom.  

“But we’re still cautious and we still can’t be complacent. The second we relax and take our eye off the ball, covid can sneak back in. So please, stick to the rules to keep Cornwall’s cases low. We don’t want to find ourselves in a situation where we have to take a backwards step now.  

“Let’s keep going, keep following the rules, and we can all get back to doing the rest of the things we love to do. Remember to keep up with hands, face, space, and get the vaccine when you’re offered it.”