Boris Johnson has confirmed England will progress to the next stage of lockdown lifting as he said the roadmap was on track.
The government’s four tests – a successful vaccine deployment programme, coronavirus hospitalisation and death rates under control, infections not putting pressure on the NHS, and the risk assessment not changed by variants – have been met.
Speaking at a Downing Street news briefing, the prime minister said “We see nothing in our present data that makes us think that we’ll have to deviate from the roadmap.”
It means that from Monday 12 April under step two:
• Non-essential shops, including hairdressers and nail salons, will reopen
• Hospitality venues, such as pubs and restaurants, will be able to open for outdoor service, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol, and no curfew
• Overnight stays away from home in England will be permitted and self-contained accommodation can also reopen, though must only be used by members of the same household or support bubble
• Gyms, libraries and community centres will also reopen
• The majority of outdoor settings and attractions can reopen, including outdoor hospitality, zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances
• Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to six people or two households, and you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with
• All children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity, including sport, regardless of circumstance
• Funerals can continue with up to 30 attendees. Weddings, outdoor receptions, and commemorative events including wakes will be able to take place with up to 15 attendees (in premises that are permitted to open)
But Mr Johnson also said it was too soon to know whether international summer holidays will be possible this year.
PM announces plans for lockdown roadmap easing – follow live coronavirus updates
