THE Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that schools in England will reopen and people from two different households will be able to meet next month.
Officially unveiling the roadmap out of the third national lockdown, the PM today revealed how restrictions would be gradually lifted between March and June.
This afternoon, the PM addressed MPs in the House of Commons where he outlined key dates starting with schools reopening and changes to household mixing from March 8.
SEE MORE: This is when EVERY lockdown restriction in the North-East is set to be lifted
Before announcing the roadmap, he warned there is “no credible route to a zero-Covid Britain nor indeed a zero-Covid world”, while admitting any lifting of lockdown restrictions would lead to more cases and deaths.
He said that the threat remains "substantial" with the numbers in hospital only now beginning to fall below the peak of the first wave in April, but said the gradual lifting of lockdown was possible due to the vaccine rollout.
He said: "We are able to take these steps because of the resolve of the British people and the extraordinary success of our NHS in vaccinating more than 17.5 million people across the UK.”
Announcing that the gradual easing of restrictions would take place in four stages, he said that all schools, including Primary and Secondary, would reopen from March 8.
He also confirmed that from March 8, people will be able to meet with one other person from another household in outdoor public places.
The PM said that a “wretched year” will give way to a “spring and summer that will be very different” to the situation today as he confirmed further restrictions would be likely relaxed in April.
Meanwhile online, the PM's official roadmap was published.
It said that from April 12 at the earliest shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will be allowed to reopen.
Meanwhile from 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.
It was said that from June 21 at the earliest, all remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted, larger events can go ahead and nightclubs could finally reopen.
International travel rules will also be reviewed, with May 17 targeted as the earliest possible date for a foreign holiday.
A further piece of work to conclude by June 21 will examine social distancing requirements – including hugs with friends and relatives – the use of face masks and requirements to work from home.
The measures are expected to be put to a Commons vote before the House rises for Easter in late March.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel