BORIS Johnson has laid out a roadmap to freedom, with all Covid restrictions set to lifted by the end of June – at the earliest.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, the PM told MPs the UK will have to learn to live with Covid in the long term while returning freedoms back to the British public.
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It came as the UK’s Covid death toll fell to a 10-week low of 178 with the seven-day average of cases falling to 11,062 – the lowest level since October.
Here’s what was announced and how life will change for Brits in the weeks ahead.
When will schools reopen?
All schools will return in two weeks time on March 8.
Boris Johnson made the commitment earlier this month in order to give schools time to prepare before pupils re-enter the classroom.
The Prime Minister is preparing a major school safety campaign this week to convince parents children are safe, despite nine teaching unions saying they want a staggered return.
He will also unveil millions in support for a major catch up push and a Covid mass-testing regime for all schools to follow in the coming days.
Can I meet my family and friends at the park?
From March 8, two people will be able to meet outside “to address some of the issues around loneliness”.
The rules will relax further on March 29, when the ‘Rule of Six’ will apply outdoors.
This allows people to meet with up to six people from an unlimited number of households, or an unlimited number of people from two households.
Families who live in different areas of the country will also be able to travel to meet outdoors from April 12, as long as they don’t enter each other’s homes.
What are the exercise rules?
Current lockdown rules allow Brits to exercise outdoors with one other person.
The restrictions will be scaled back in the coming weeks to allow people to enjoy the great outdoors once again.
The national stay-at-home order will be scrapped on March 29, with outdoor team sports back on from that date.
Other outdoor activities such as tennis and golf will also return with people able to head to their local sports clubs again.
However, gyms are not scheduled to reopen their doors until April 12.
When can I go to the pub?
Brits can enjoy a pint in pub beer gardens once again on April 12.
Pubs and restaurants will be able to offer outdoor seating with table service. Social distancing and the Rule of Six will stay in place.
The hated 10pm curfew will not return and neither will be rules requiring customers to buy a ‘substantial meal’ before ordering alcohol.
The PM joked to MPs on Monday: “Honourable members will be relieved there will be no curfew and the Scotch egg debate will be over as there will be no requirement for alcohol to be accompanied by a substantial meal.”
From May 17, venues will be able to throw open their doors and allow customers inside with the same social restrictions.
On June 21, nightclubs will be allowed to welcome party-goers for the first time since last March.
When can I get a haircut?
Unkempt Brits have been unable to visit a barbers or hair salon since January under the current lockdown.
But the nightmare will be over when hairdressers are be able to reopen on April 12.
Other beauty venues such as spas and saunas will be among the last businesses to return when restrictions are lifted from May 17.
Can I visit other people’s homes?
Although friends and families will be able to meet outdoors from March 29, they will not be able to enter each other’s homes until May.
Indoor household mixing has been identified as a key area of infection during the pandemic.
From May 17, indoor mixing, including overnight, will be allowed once again with Rule of Six and a limit of two households.
This will apply to people’s homes and holiday accommodation.
Are weddings and funerals allowed?
Under current lockdown rules, weddings are only allowed in exceptional circumstances such as if a bride or groom is terminally ill.
Funerals are still going ahead with a maximum of 15 mourners.
Restrictions on weddings will be eased from April 12, with the number of attendees limited to 15 people.
From May 17, the number will rise to 30 people and it is hoped all restrictions will be scrapped to allow unlimited guests from June 21 – but the PM stressed the move will be reviewed closer to the time.
Funerals will be allowed 30 people at services and 15 people at wakes from April 12, with 30 people also allowed at wakes from May 17.
Can I travel?
On April 12, restrictions on domestic travel banning all but essential journeys will be lifted.
This will mean people are able to travel by road and public transport to visit friends and family as long as they don’t enter their homes or stay overnight.
On the same day, a further update is expect on international travel rules.
Currently, people entering the UK must self-isolate for 10 days or stay in a quarantine hotel at their own expense if arriving from one of 33 ‘red list’ countries known to contain mutant strains of Covid.
Can I buy tickets for live sport and music?
All mass gatherings including attending professional sports, live music and theatre are banned under current national lockdown rules.
From May 17, stadiums, live venues and cinemas will be able to welcome fans once again, with caps on numbers to help maintain social distancing.
Outdoor stadiums will be limited to 25 per cent capacity up to 10,000 fans.
Smaller outdoor events will be limited to 50 per cent capacity up to 4,000 fans and indoor events 50 per cent up to 1,000 people.
The move means the final round of 2020/21 Premier League could see fans return to stadiums – some for the first time since last March.
Wembley Stadium is scheduled to host the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020 in July.
There has been speculation the government will offer for the UK to host the entire tournament – which is set to take place in cities across the continent – but Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday played down the idea.
When can I go on holiday?
The lifting of restrictions on domestic travel from April 12 will give the go-ahead for domestic holidays to resume after Easter.
Staycations will allow members of the same household to stay in self-contained accommodation.
Countries such as Spain have also said they are keen to welcome British tourists this summer with the introduction of Covid vaccine passports.
More clarity on whether Brits will be able to travel abroad for holidays this summer is expected in April.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is known to have booked a family holiday in Cornwall this summer.
However, he has warned Brits against booking foreign holidays, saying domestic breaks will be under less risk of cancellation.
