THE FIRST lockdown rules across the UK have been eased today with millions now allowed to meet up to five other people outside, or one other household indoors.

The lifting of restrictions follows the government’s roadmap out of the third national lockdown since the pandemic has begin.

It is hoped that members of the public will be free to do most things by June 21.

Weddings with up to six people in attendance are now permitted. In addition, parent and child groups with a maximum of 15 parents can now take place.

Outdoor sports and leisure such as football and tennis can now open too.

Ethnicity data gap

The easing of lockdown rules comes as the government has been called on to urgently tackle the ethnicity data gap, as the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed so many deep-rooted inequalities.

The Evidence for Equality National Survey (EVENS) has reported that after 30 years of data collection, there is minimal representation of ethnic and religious minority people in nationally funded datasets.

Backed by the NHS Race and Health Observatory and campaigning organisations, including Operation Black Vote, EVENS aim to take action on the matter with the “UK’s first and largest survey of its kind to document the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of 17,000 ethnic and religious minority people.”

They plan to examine the data gaps in the 2021 Census and draw upon the lived experiences of people who suffer from mental health. They also hope to explore the effects of racial injustice highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement and policing during lockdown.

Speaking on the plans, Sir Simon Woolley, Director of Operation Black Vote, said:  “Inclusive data is key to better understand the depth and breadth of persistent race inequality in the UK.

“This unique partnership with EVENS brings together interested organisations, individuals and academic institutions that deeply care about tackling the scourge of racism.”

Black African Brits did not receive first COVID-19 jab dose before deadline

The most recent data collected from ethnic minority communities found that a staggering four in ten over-70s in England identifying as black African had not received a COVID-19 vaccine up to four weeks after they were meant to.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), vaccination rates for this ethnic group are estimated to be 58.8%, which is the lowest among all ethnic minority groups.

Those from a black Caribbean background and over the age of 70 fared slightly better with an estimated 68.7% having taken their first dose of the COVID-19 jab. White British people lead in vaccination rates with an estimated 91.3% having taken their first dose of the COVID-19 jab.

Speaking to Huffpost UK about the latest figures, Ben Humberstone, head of health and life events at the ONS, said: “Vaccination rates are markedly lower amongst certain groups, in particular amongst people identifying as Black African and Black Caribbean, those identifying as Muslim, and disabled people.

“These differences remain after accounting for geography, underlying health conditions and certain indicators of socio-economic inequality.”