So I think we now understand how the government decided to do this. They didn’t want to postpone the easing of lockdown, because that would have been met with howls of disapproval. So instead, they quietly issued new clarification on what is allowed under Step 3 yesterday, at odds with what was previously indicated, and on the actual day that the easing took effect.
And sure enough, in the DCMS update there is a statement that ‘Indoor non-professional performing arts activity is not currently permitted.’ So we are on Step 3 of lockdown easing, but the rules in effect are no different to those in Step 2. And, I’m afraid to say, I suspect that this is going to be the way of things right through to our scheduled summer break. We will see what develops, as I am sure there will be some polite feedback provided to DCMS on this ruling, just as happened when the junior minister went against what was then policy, and obviously will let you know before next Tuesday.
Very disappointing, but we will sing again soon.