BREAKING: Roadmap out of lockdown revealed

BORIS Johnson has unveiled his roadmap out of lockdown — which sees the end to the tier system and the scrapping of the "scotch egg" hospitality fiasco.

Returning pupils to the classroom is the priority — with schools opening March 8 — followed by two households being able to meet up outside by the end of March, the prime minister announced this afternoon.

From April 12, pubs and hospitality venues will be able to open for outdoor service, with no requirement for a substantial meal — or a scotch egg — to be served alongside alcoholic drinks, and no curfew.

It is hoped by June 21 there will be no legal limits on social contact and nightclubs can reopen.

A decision on international travel will take place no earlier than May 17.

The Government will ease restrictions at the same time across the whole of England due to the current relatively uniform spread of the virus.

Mr Johnson said there must be at least five weeks between each step, and the Government will announce one week in advance whether restrictions will be eased as planned.

Before taking each step, the Government will review the latest data on the impact of the previous step against four tests: the success of the vaccine programme; hospital admissions and deaths; infection rates not risking a surge in pressure on the NHS; and assessment of the risks not being fundamentally changed by new variants.

STEP ONE

MARCH 8

Schools and higher education settings will reopen for face to face teaching supported by twice-weekly virus testing of secondary and college pupils.
Families and childcare bubbles also urged to get tested weekly.
Breakfast and after-school clubs and children’s activities can resume.
Students at university who need practical teaching and onsite assessments will return. All others can continue working from home.
Outdoor recreation, such as a picnic, is allowed. This can be on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.
Indoor visits to care homes start again for a single named visitor.
Outdoor mixing in public spaces for recreation on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble allowed. This means you can sit down for a drink or picnic.
The clinically extremely vulnerable are advised not to attend work, school or education until March 31.

MARCH 29

People will no longer be legally required to stay at home
Rule of six, or two households, can meet outdoors.
Outdoor sport and leisure facilities can return
Organised outdoor sport allowed (children and adults)
Minimise travel (no holidays)

STEP TWO

APRIL 12

Non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers salons and close contact services; and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas can reopen
Overnight stays away from home in this country will be permitted and self-contained accommodation can also reopen
Public buildings such as libraries and community centres reopen. Activities such as driving tests may also resume.
Majority of outdoor settings and attractions can also reopen, including outdoor hospitality, zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances events
Hospitality venues will be able to open for outdoor service, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks, and no curfew. The requirement to order, eat and drink while seated will remain.
People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise domestic travel
Funerals can continue to proceed with up to 30 attendees. Weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including wakes will be able to take place with up to 15 attendees.

STEP THREE

MAY 17

Indoor entertainment and attractions can reopen
Domestic overnight stays
Thirty-person limit outdoors
Rule of six or two households indoors
Some large events
International travel will be subject to review
Weddings, receptions, funerals, and commemorative events including wakes can proceed with up to 30 attendees. A broader range of stand-alone life events will also be permitted at this step, including bar mitzvahs and christenings.
The Government will further ease limits on social contact, enabling the public to make informed personal decisions.

STEP FOUR

June 21

No legal limits on social contact
No legal limit on all life events
Nightclubs and larger events can take place