FROM today (May 17), Ealing and the rest of England will take the next step back towards 'normality' as we enter Stage 3 of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

Pubs and restaurants can now welcome back customers indoors again.

There will be further easing of some social restrictions, as the government is allowing closer contact with family members and friends, including hugging.

Face coverings must still be worn indoors in public places, places of worship, and on public transport, but they are no longer recommended for secondary school pupils.

The new rules from today are:

• People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors.

• People can meet indoors again in groups of six, or two households.

• Parent and child groups and support groups can have up to 30 attendees (this doesn't include under fives).

• Care home residents allowed up to five named visitors.

• Overnight stays in groups of six or two households are allowed.

• Organised adult sports and exercise classes can restart indoors.

• All higher education students will be able to access in-person teaching.

• Indoor entertainment such as museums, cinemas and children's play areas can open.

• Pubs and restaurants can serve customers inside once again - again following the groups of six or two households.

• Up to 30 people will be allowed at weddings, including receptions afterwards.

• Funerals no longer have a maximum number of attendees, however they are limited by the size of the venue.

• Theatres, concert halls, conference centres and sports stadia can all reopen.

• Steam rooms and saunas may reopen.

• No legal restrictions on international travel, but a traffic light system for international travel will be enforced, as well as guidelines to follow when returning to the UK.

• Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen - again following the groups of six or two households rule.

All 'groups of six' include children of all ages.