The Government has issued its roadmap to help guide us out of the current lockdown and back to some sort of normality. How is that going to affect the return to caravanning for those of us who delight in this activity? Here are the key dates and what they could mean for us all. Please note that the dates are not before and they could well be pushed back if the Coronavirus infection rate starts to climb again. Fingers Crossed!
The guidance issued by HMG is constantly being updated and it is strongly suggested that you view the guidance yourself before making any travel decisions. Certainly, it is worth not only looking at the roadmap but also looking at the guidance to reopening businesses, as this will give you an insight into what also will be allowed to open, such as campsite facilities.
Also please note this article relates only to England. Wales and Scotland and Northern Ireland will have their own programs.
The Significant 'Not Before' Dates
The first significant date is the 8th March when schools will return and wrap-around childcare is allowed. However, as far as caravanning is concerned we are still under the stay-at-home order.
Not before 29th March 2021
The 29th of March is the first significant date, even though campsites might not be open we are released from the Stay at Home order, though many of the lockdown restrictions still remain. It is on this date we are able to return to the ‘Rule of 6 or two households’. This means in open outdoor space including back gardens you can meet with a maximum number of 6 people or two households! We can get back to some limited socializing.
Having said that the fact is still that we should be minimising travel and not staying away from home overnight and not taking holidays.
Not Before 12th April 2021
The 12th of April is a significant date for Caravanning as this is the date that campsites can reopen, however it must be noted that guidance specifically refers to self-contained accommodation where indoor facilities are strictly restricted to use by one household or support bubble. This means campsites that do open will not be able to open their communal facilities, such as shower blocks.
Also on this date outdoor areas of hospitality venues can also resume service. So cafes and bars can reopen their outdoor business. They will be permitted to allow the use of their toilet facilities but must remain Covid secure inside the premises, which means anyone entering to use the facilities will have to wear a facemask.
It is probably important to point out at this point that though a Campsite might be able to re-open its cafe or bar and allow customers to use the toilets as an ancillary function to their cafe/bar, they will not be permitted to reopen their shower blocks and toilet facilities for the use of the campsite.
Outdoor attractions are allowed to re-open however, the rule of 6 or two households is still in operation and people will be expected to obey it. Indoor attractions will remain closed though a significant amount of retail premises will be allowed to open though they must be Covid secure and follow the social distancing rules.
Not Before the 17th May 2021
This is the date set for Hotels B&Bs and other accommodations can reopen, this means campsite can re-open their communal facilities such as shower blocks, washing-up areas and the like.
With regards to social restrictions, these are removed for external gatherings other than the fact that there will be a legal limit of 30 people. So the mini-meet can return!!
With regards to indoor events and businesses, the rule of 6 or two households remains and unless eating or drinking (which still is subject to table service) face covering must be worn.
Not Before 21st June 2021
21st June is the date set for the remainder of the social restriction to be removed and the final opening of the last business that relies on larger numbers and social interaction such as nigth clubs.
It must be pointed out that the above refers to England only. Remember that if the infection rate increases then it is possible that restriction will not be lifted in the time frames shown, it is possible that further restriction could be implemented.
Traveling Abroad
The ability for us to start considering taking our caravans abroad is a little bit more complex and is not dependent on UK Government legislation and planning but on the legislation and planning of other countries. There is a lot of speculation about Covid Passports or that travelers are able to show that they are Covid free and that they have been vaccinated against coronavirus. So as to when we are able to go into Europe again is currently an unknown as is the requirements that we will need to meet in order to travel.
In the meantime let us be thankful that hopefully, we will soon be available to get back into our Eribas, if it is only to visit English campsites.
