Table 2 Cycles of COVID-19 lockdown (March 2020-February 2021)
March | The United Kingdom goes into the first national lockdown. |
April | Lockdown is extended in combination with a set of recommended targets for the government to meet before it is lifted. |
May | Plan for conditional easing of lockdown, including return to work for those who cannot work from home. |
June | Phased reopening of schools and non-essential shops. Easing of two-metre social distancing rules, but then implementation of local lockdowns by the end of the month. |
July | Local lockdowns applied to more areas, with others allowed to reopen certain businesses (pubs, restaurants, hairdressers). Local authorities given more powers to make local decisions. |
August | Further easing of lockdowns with encouragement for the public to go back out to restaurants /other leisure facilities. |
September | “Rule of six” introduced for social gatherings. Return to working from home and a 10 pm curfew introduced. |
October | Introduction of the “tier” system for local lockdowns, followed by the second full national lockdown. |
November | Second national lockdown in force |
December | Many places given highest “tier 4” status, but restrictions relaxed for the Christmas period to allow minimal gatherings. |
January | Third full national lockdown. |
February | Publication of “roadmap” to systematically lift restrictions across the United Kingdom. |