. 2024 Jan 16;12:25. doi: 10.1186/s40359-023-01471-1

Table 2.

Cycles of COVID-19 lockdown (March 2020-February 2021)

March	The United Kingdom goes into the first national lockdown.
April	Lockdown is extended in combination with a set of recommended targets for the government to meet before it is lifted.
May	Plan for conditional easing of lockdown, including return to work for those who cannot work from home.
June	Phased reopening of schools and non-essential shops. Easing of two-metre social distancing rules, but then implementation of local lockdowns by the end of the month.
July	Local lockdowns applied to more areas, with others allowed to reopen certain businesses (pubs, restaurants, hairdressers). Local authorities given more powers to make local decisions.
August	Further easing of lockdowns with encouragement for the public to go back out to restaurants /other leisure facilities.
September	“Rule of six” introduced for social gatherings. Return to working from home and a 10 pm curfew introduced.
October	Introduction of the “tier” system for local lockdowns, followed by the second full national lockdown.
November	Second national lockdown in force
December	Many places given highest “tier 4” status, but restrictions relaxed for the Christmas period to allow minimal gatherings.
January	Third full national lockdown.
February	Publication of “roadmap” to systematically lift restrictions across the United Kingdom.