Life almost back to normal by 21 June in Boris Johnson's 'roadmap' to freedom

22 February 2021, 15:40 | Updated: 22 February 2021, 22:28

By Kate Buck

Boris Johnson has announced his "roadmap" out of lockdown, which aims to get life in England back to as close to normal as possible by July.

The Prime Minister announced his four steps to get the nation moving again, after weeks of the third lockdown to tackle the spread of Covid-19.

Any and all relaxations will be conditional based on four tests, with the Government set to examine the data at each stage before unlocking further.

Ministers will assess the success of the vaccine rollout, evidence of vaccine efficacy, new variants and infection rates before proceeding to the next step.

Each step will be in place for at least five weeks before experts asses whether it is safe to proceed to the next one.

The Prime Minister told MPs the approach was "cautious but also irreversible", with the impact of the vaccination programme replacing the need for lockdown measures.

He said a "wretched year would give way to a spring and a summer that will be very different and incomparably better".

Boris Johnson has laid out his "roadmap" out of lockdown to the House of Commons. Picture: PA

Secondary school children will be told to wear face masks in schools corridors and classrooms, the PM said, in the first step, to further reduce any risk of spread.

Pubs and restaurants will be permitted to open outdoors no earlier than April 12, the same date hairdressers will also be allowed to open.

Indoor hospitality will be allowed to open no earlier than May 17.

International travel, which is almost completely banned at the moment, will not return any earlier than May 17.

What lockdown easing will look like:

Step 1
March 8

All schools to reopen
Outdoor school sports and activities allowed to resume
People allowed outdoors recreationally on a one-plus-one basis
Care home residents permitted one regular visitor and will be able to hold hands
Funerals to allow up to 30 people and weddings will allow 6

March 29

Up to six people or two households allowed in outdoor spaces
Outdoor sports facilities to reopen (eg Tennis, Basketball courts)
Organised adult or children's sports activities can return
Outdoor child and parent groups can return (up to 15 parents)

Schools will be reopening on March 8. Picture: PA

Step 2 - after five weeks of Step 1, no earlier than April 12

Non-essential retail to open
Outdoor hospitality can reopen
Gyms and indoor leisure open for individual use
Hairdressers and personal care services can reopen
Outdoor attractions such as zoos, drive-thru cinemas and theme parks can reopen.
Driving lessons can reopen
Funeral wakes, weddings and receptions can have up to 15 people

Hairdressers and personal care services can reopen from April 12. Picture: PA

Step 3 - after five weeks of Step 2, no earlier than May 17

Indoor hospitality, 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 (‘table service’) will remain
30 person limit outdoors - rule of six will apply indoors (subject to conditions)
International travel may be allowed (subject to conditions)
Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
Indoor entertainment, such as museums, cinemas and children’s play area can open
Remaining accommodation, such as hotels, hostels and B&Bs will be allowed to operate
Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes
Some large events, including conferences, theatre and concert performances and sports events
Significant life events allowed up to 30 people

Step 4 - after at least five weeks of Step 3, no earlier than June 21