Rules on weddings and funerals to be relaxed from next week
The limit for attendees at receptions will rise to 30.
Boris Johnson has given the green light for more people to attend weddings next week, as part of a further easing of lockdown.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the roadmap outlined for events like funerals will go ahead as planned, with up to 30 people able to attend receptions and wakes from next Monday, May 17.
He made the announcement at a press conference on Monday afternoon as he confirmed that overnight stays, indoor pub trips and hugging will make a comeback in England within days, in the penultimate relaxation of coronavirus rules before June 21.
Funerals can currently go ahead with as many as 30 mourners – a rule which will not change – but the limit of 15 for other events is set to rise.
But the government advice, which will be brought in next week, reads: ‘Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals.
‘This limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.’
From June 21, the government says it hopes to ‘remove all legal limits on social contact’ – which should mean weddings and funerals can then operate as normal.
Mr Johnson said this evening: ‘I want to begin by thanking everyone again for your patience and for the sacrifices that you’ve been making.
‘Businesses, pubs, restaurants that have been waiting to welcome customers back through their doors, grandparents who’ve gone for months without seeing their grandchildren, weddings postponed, funerals sadly constrained and religious festivals such as Eid yest again facing restrictions.’
The PM did not directly address the changes to funeral and wedding rules this afternoon.
But, he added: ‘Today, we are announcing the single biggest step on our roadmap, and it will allow us to do many of the things that we’ve yearned to do for a long time. So let’s protect these gains by continuing to exercise caution and common sense.’
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The rules are different for other parts of the UK.
In Scotland, funerals and weddings, including post-funeral events and receptions, are allowed to take place with up to 50 people and alcohol permitted.
An announcement on any further easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Wales is due to be made on Friday following discussions on Monday.
Welsh indoor hospitality and all tourism accommodation is also expected to reopen from May 17.
In Northern Ireland, more restrictions are set to be lifted from May 24, with wedding receptions and post-burial events able to take place in indoor hospitality venues, if appropriate risk assessments are undertaken.
Meanwhile, the UK Government announced that the latest coronavirus data shows its four tests for easing the rules have been met.
The UK downgraded the Covid threat level from four to three on Monday.
That decision was taken jointly by all four of Britain’s chief medical officers, including England’s Professor Chris Whitty, and the NHS England National Medical Director Stephen Powis.
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