PRIME Minister Boris Johnson is set to outline his vision to cautiously ease coronavirus restrictions in England.
Mr Johnson has already held a Covid committee meeting on Sunday, February 21 to discuss the final details of the plans and will chair a meeting with his Cabinet on Monday morning.
He has addressed MPs in Parliament at 3.30pm and will hold a press conference at 7pm, with Mr Johnson to reveal his measures on schools, social mixing, and grassroots sports.
His roadmap will see a gradual lifting of restrictions in a bid to limit a sudden increase in coronavirus cases and any further restrictions.
It however must be stressed that this depends on coronavirus cases continuing to fall, vaccination programme continuing with no disruption and no new coronavirus variants develop.
Here is what we will expect in the coming months.
March 8
It is understood that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce all pupils in all years can go back to the classroom from Monday, March 8, with outdoor after-school sports and activities allowed to restart as well.
One person will be able to meet another person from another household in a public place not just for exercise. This will allow people to sit down for a drink or picnic.
Care home residents can see one regular visitor, providing the visitor has tested negative for coronavirus.
March 29
A further easing of restrictions will take place on Monday, March 29 when the school Easter holidays begin – with larger groups allowed to gather in parks and gardens.
The “rule of six” will return along with new measures allowing two households totalling more than six people to meet – giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts are also set to reopen.
The ‘Stay at Home’ message will cease, but people will be asked to continue working from home if possible and to avoid unnecessary travel.
April 12
From Friday, April 12 at the earliest, non-essential shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will reopen.
University campuses could also be open under one scenario discussed this week, along with further education.
By April 12, there will be a review on international travel so people can plan for the summer.
April 15
The Government has targetted April 15 as being the date by which the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine has been offered to all over 50s and higher risk groups.
May 15
From Monday, May 17 at the earliest, two households or groups of up to six people will be allowed to mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed at sporting events.
June 21
All remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted, larger events can go ahead and nightclubs could finally reopen from Monday, June 21 at the earliest.
What happens next with travel?
It has been rumoured that the hospitality sector may be given the green light to reopen but with social distancing measures in place in July.
But there is an air of caution around this and there have been mixed messages from ministers and MPs.
Grant Shapps, Transport Minister, previously stated no one should plan a summer holiday in Britain or abroad, yet Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, said he had booked a summer holiday in Cornwall.
Boris Johnson dropped further hints over his hopes of summer holidays overseas in response to calls from Conservative former prime minister Theresa May to assist the aviation sector.
Mrs May welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement to the Commons, including the return of schools, adding in the Commons: “He says there’s going to be a taskforce report by April 12 so people can plan for the summer – that won’t allow people to plan.
“At every stage the Government has taken weeks from these reports to actually provide certainty to the industry. The industry needs three months’ preparation from the point of certainty.”
She asked Mr Johnson to “look again” at the timetable and bring it forward to “open up our international air travel and make sure that Britain is open for business”.
Mr Johnson said the Government will continue to support the sector, adding: “I believe setting a deadline of April 12 for the report of the reconstituted travel taskforce will give people time to make their plans for the summer.
“If things go well, if we can meet these not before dates, then I do believe there is every chance of an aviation recovery later on this year.”
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