Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the next steps in easing current COVID-19 restrictions across the UK on February 22, with the hopes of an end to restrictions by June 21.
In response to the PM’s roadmap announcement, Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “COVID has been tearing the heart and soul out of our communities for almost a year.
“After so long of course it is good to see the light at the end of the tunnel get that bit closer, with the Prime Minister’s announcement of a timetable for the easing of lockdown.”
Charlotte Elizabeth is a photographer based in Barnsley, and for her, the roadmap has come with both positivity and confusion, especially for weddings.
She said: “In the wedding industry, there has been no end of upset. We needed to have more clarity on what restrictions meant when they were announced.
“Some of my couples have rearranged their weddings for later in the year, some are uncertain of what to do next, and I have no idea what to tell them.
“The dates seem positive, but as they’re not set, people are more confused and anxious than ever.”
© 2021 Charlotte Elizabeth Photography
Charlotte says that clarity in the restrictions outline is missing in terms of the numbers for people allowed to meet.
“With the numbers of 15 and 30 [people], it wasn’t clear in either case whether that included suppliers or not until days after it was announced.”
In terms of support, as Charlotte has had her business since 2014, she has been able to access SEISS payments. She said: “It’s not a lot, but I’m aware it’s much more than others have received.”
Charlotte says she thinks the government have had a difficult job, but they could have handled things differently.
She added: “Overall I’m happy we’re on the road to getting back to normal, but it’s tainted by this confusion and uncertainty.
“Making all the information public at once could have saved a lot of confusion, panic and stress.”
Charlotte’s photography website: https://charlotteelizabethphotography.com/