On Monday March 29th, the second stage of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown began. With temperatures this week rising with a staggering 24 degrees on Tuesday. Many took the opportunity to bask in the long-awaited heat of the sun.
The first stage out of lockdown became effective on 8th March, as all students returned to school after months of remote learning. The second stage allows for six people or two households to meet outside including in a private garden. Further to this, outdoor sports facilities and open-air swimming pools will be allowed to open their doors once again.
Sylvia Dunraven, a student, told me she was excited for the second stage of lockdown. “It has been a while since I have seen other members of my family, it will be great to finally be reunited with them.” She is not alone in her excitement as another student, Aaliyah told me that she could not wait to be able to see her cousins after months apart.
However, reuniting with family members is not the only thing people have to look forward too this coming April. Many were pleased that sporting grounds would be reopening, allowing them to share their joy for sport with people outside of their households.
When interviewing Elijah Smith, he told me he was happy to be playing football at “Goals” this Sunday with a few of his friends. “Though it has been tolerable playing with my younger brother in our garden, I am looking forward to having some real competition and a larger playing field.”
Though the first few months of 2021 were darkened by the pandemic, the easing of lockdown restrictions in England has paved the way for families to reunite and for many to revel in the pleasure of sport with friends once more.
