The Statutory Regulations underpinning England’s roadmap out of the current lockdown has been published in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021, coming in force on the 29^th  March 2021.

In line with the Government’s four step plan out of lockdown, these regulations impose restrictions on gatherings and businesses in England as follows:

1. those areas in Step 1 are subject to the restrictions set out in Schedule 1;
2. those areas in Step 2 are subject to the restrictions in Schedule 2;
3. those areas in Step 3 are subject to the restrictions set out in Schedule 3;
4. These Regulations expire at the end of 30th June 2021 – step 4.

The Secretary of State must review the need for the restrictions imposed by these Regulations by 12th April 2021 and thereafter at least once every 35 days from that date.  These Regulations expire at the end of 30th June 2021.

In addition,

• These Regulations also impose restrictions on leaving the United Kingdom without a reasonable excuse (regulation 8).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel Regulations) (England) Regulations 2020 are amended so that the requirement to self-isolate under regulation 4 of those Regulations ceases to apply to a person (other than a person travelling from a country listed in Schedule B1) who is required to self-isolate under Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 (“the Self-Isolation Regulations”).
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Collection of Contact Details etc. and Related Requirements) Regulations 2020 are amended to clarify the means by which a person can be required to provide their contact details, as well as to remove the requirement to request contact details from a lead member of a group seeking to enter premises.
• The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 are amended to clarify the territorial application of the Regulations, as well as to create new exceptions from the requirement to self-isolate, or remain in the place where a person is self-isolating, under those Regulations (including for participants in serial testing schemes). There are also various drafting and consequential amendments to the Self-Isolation Regulations.