​When can we go back?

The new law for England (but not Wales) sets out four Steps for the relaxation of restrictions.
Once the law permits Masonic meetings again, they may take place but nobody should attend until they feel comfortable doing so.
Steps 1 and 2 No Masonic Meetings can take place.
Step 3 – no earlier than May 17th
Masonic meetings of up to 6 people are permitted.
 
If a Masonic Centre has conducted a risk assessment, taken into account government guidance and taken all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid then it may host Covid-Secure Masonic meetings of more than 6 people, up to the lower of: a. the maximum capacity identified in the risk assessment; or b. 30 attendees.
Please see Regulation 6 of statutory instrument 2021/364 for more details.
 
Dining is restricted to groups of up to 6 people.
 
You are advised to contact the Management group of your Masonic Hall or meeting place to see what restrictions they may have in place and what measures you may have to follow.
 
Lodges and Chapters are reminded that all dates in the Governments road map to recovery are dependent on four tests being met: vaccination targets, vaccine reducing hospitalisation and deaths, the pressure on the NHS and the number of different variants.
 
As we now have a date we can all work towards, some Lodges and Chapters will want to resume their meetings.
 
If you need to apply for a dispensation to have an Emergency Meeting (Craft) or any other reason please use the forms available on the website.
 
If the request is Covid related, then there will be no charge.
 
This information was extracted from the 29th March issue of First Rising which was accompanied by the following statements: The guidance in this area changes regularly but this note reflects our current understanding. When detailed guidance is published by the government, UGLE will issue further information. The timings of the Steps may change for some or all parts of England. This note is intended to help share knowledge and guidance but is not legal advice.