Here’s what Monday’s lockdown easing means for Lancs students

With the government announcing that plans to ease lockdown further are going ahead on May 17th, universities are at the forefront of the picture. Not only have unis been given the go-ahead to continue in-person teaching on Monday, but a whole host of rule easing means that students will see things somewhat return to normal very soon. 

Highlights of the new rules include:

• Outdoor gatherings can now include up to 30 people.
• Indoor gatherings of up to six people or two households are now permitted.
• Physical contact with close friends and family is now up to the individuals involved, rather than government rules.
• Indoor hospitality like pubs, restaurants, and bars are now allowed to open.

What does this mean for us?

We contacted the university, who said: “The university is following government advice concerning Step Three of the roadmap out of lockdown.”

In an email sent to students on Thursday, the university said: “Summer term teaching will be online-only for many taught students. This applies to all taught students whose department has not asked to resume in-person teaching. However, there will be many other opportunities for in-person events and activities for those who choose to return.

“Progress along the roadmap means reopening campus bars and outlets and more facilities and classes in the Sports Centre. Our Library extension is now open, which means more study space is available, and students can book a range of rooms for safe group study. Meanwhile, events and activities continue to be organised, with your colleges and students’ union also planning end-of-year celebrations including the Extravs.”

The university also provided links to its well-being website for students who need support and information on Covid-19 vaccines and testing.

Along with the uni confirming that more on-campus facilities will be opening, their commitment to following the government’s guidelines on socialising means that we’re finally going to be allowed to have people from outside of our household in our homes. This will operate according to the ever-familiar “rule of six”, or the two household rule. In short, you can have five mates, or an unlimited number of people from one other household, over. 

Though this isn’t quite the return to house parties and nights out, the university is reopening campus bars, with the following to reopen for outdoor and indoor service on Monday:

• The Mill (Fylde Bar)
• HIVE at Health Innovation One
• The Deli
• Grizedale Cafe Bar
• Barker House Farm
• The Marketplace
• The Northern Oak
• The Trough of Bowland
• Trevor
• Pendle Rooms
• The Red Lion at Lonsdale College
• Eat and Drink @ Alex Square

According to the university, The Hub @ InfoLab, The Herdwick, The Lounge, and The Hub @ Lancaster University Management School will stay closed.

Although whether anyone actually has time to have mates around and go to the pub in between exams is a mystery, it’s certainly a welcome development after flat-visiting has been outlawed for the entirety of this academic year.

A full list of Monday’s rule changes is available on the government’s coronavirus website. 

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