FROM Monday, the third major loosening of Covid lockdown restrictions will come into force, as more freedoms return after months stuck at home.

Earlier this week the Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown would come into force on Monday, May 17, as planned.

It will come five weeks after Step 2, when shops and hairdressers could reopen, pubs and restaurants reopened with outdoor service, and more.

Before that was the second part of Step 1 on March 29, when outdoor organised sport returned, the Rule of Six was back, and the 'stay at home' rule was binned.

The first part of Step 1 was on March 8, when schools reopened after more than two months closed since lockdown began on January 4.

If everything goes to plan, the final step of the roadmap will come into force on June 21, when all rules limiting social contact are scrapped.

Here is what will return on Monday in Step 3 of the roadmap:

Social contact

The Rule of Six outdoors goes and is replaced by the rule of 30. Indoors, people can meet again although the rule of six/two household rule remains for now.

Rules around social distancing have also been tweaked, meaning it will be legal to hug family and friends from outside your bubble for the first time in 15 months. The Prime Minister is urging people to "use common sense" when it comes to hugging.

More hospitality

Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants can all resume indoor service from Monday. The British public showed their dedication to the pub in recent weeks, braving chilly conditions to have a pint in a beer garden, but we're sure many will welcome being able to sit indoors again.

Table service and the rule of Six remains, with masks required when moving around the venue.

Hotels, hostels, B&Bs and the rest of the accommodation sector can reopen from Monday as well - so there are more options for staycations.

Indoor venues reopen

More indoor entertainment and leisure venues can reopen again from Monday.

These include cinemas and children's play areas, and adult group indoor organised sport and group exercise classes can also resume.

Crowds are back

Theatres and sports grounds will see spectators return to the terraces for the first time - in Bradford at least - since last March.

This means Bradford Bulls, Keighley Cougars and Yorkshire Cricket fans can return, and crowds can also return at grassroots fixtures. Theatres can also welcome audiences once again.

Indoor venues can put on events with a crowd of 1,000 people or half-full, whichever is lower, while at outdoor venues the limit is 4,000 people or half-full, whichever is lower. At the biggest outdoor seated venues, up to 10,000 people or quarter-capacity will be permitted, whichever is lower.

This means crowds can return to the Alhambra, St George's Hall, Cougar Park, Horsfall Stadium and Tetley's Stadium in Dewsbury (the Bulls' current home) for the first time in months.

Significant life events

The number of guests permitted at weddings and receptions, wakes, funerals, and all other significant life events has now been increased to 30.

Ahead of Step 4, a further review of social distancing rules will take place, looking at the metre-plus rule and mask wearing, to see if/when these rules can be lifted. People who can work from home should also continue to do so until further notice.