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BORIS Johnson is set to unveil his roadmap to recovery on Monday.
The PM has promised to be guided by “data, not dates” when he announces the route out of lockdown.
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Boris Johnson is set to unveil his roadmap to recovery on MondayCredit: Crown Copyright
The Sun has revealed that the measures he will is set to announce will include two households being able to meet up outside from Easter.
The PM’s eagerly anticipated announcement comes as Wales is set to relax restrictions from tomorrow by allowing four people to exercise outside – up from the current limit of two.
First Minister Mark Drakeford will next week look to allow weddings again in small numbers, with case numbers lower in Wales.
Here’s what we know so far about next week’s announcement on the UK government’s five-month roadmap.
Schools reopening in March
The PM wants schools in England to reopen on March 8 and for children across all age groups to get back to the classroom at the same time.
But the return to schools could be staggered after unions claimed plans for a blanket reopening were”reckless”.
Unions insisted only children should go back with older ones staying at home longer to prevent the “danger of causing another surge in the virus”.
MPs have urged Mr Johnson to stand up unions and get youngsters in classrooms as soon as possible.
Some children in Wales and Scotland are due to return to school next week before a full reopening on March 15.
There could be a “phased return” to classrooms on March 8 (File photo)Credit: AFP – Getty
Non-essential shops are also set to reopen and outdoor sports and exercise rules relaxed from next month.
Care home visits will be permitted again from March 8, the government confirmed last night.
Household mixing from Easter
Under Boris’s plan, two households will be allowed to socialise outdoors from Easter.
A senior source told The Sun the decision was “as a recognition of how tough these last few weeks and months have been”.
Two households could mix outside from Easter
Mixing in parks and possibly gardens are set to be announced, allowing families to see each other for the first time since January.
Discussions about reintroducing the Rule of Six so groups of half a dozen people from different households can meet from Easter too are also said to have taken place, although it’s not been confirmed.
It’s hoped pubs could reopen for takeaway pints, with gyms hoping to reopen also.
Pubs and hairdressers could reopen by May
Thirsty punters may have to wait until May to sup pints inside pubs.
Indoor service could resume along with the rule of six, possibly with two households to start with.
Anyone who needs a haircut may face a similar spell of time before they can get a trim.
Brits could be sipping pints at pubs again by May
Senior sources told The Sun the beauty industry still “have some time to go” before they can re-open.
Hairdressers may not reopen until late April, with close-contact treatment like waxing and pedicures “where contact is inherent” delayed over longer.
Hopes for Holidays and indoor mixing by June
June should see indoor mixing between households and overnight stays allowed once more.
Holidays in the UK could also resume by June.
There have been reports that the government is looking at bringing in vaccination passports to allow trips abroad.
This week, a Whitehall source told The Times: “It’s looking increasingly positive on summer holidays.
“Once the vaccination passport system is set up it should be straightforward. That won’t be easy, but we can see the way ahead.”
Mr Johnson and his closest ministers are studying vaccine data this weekend before presenting the plans to Cabinet on Monday for sign off.
Hopes of a quicker easing of restrictions were boosted by SAGE member Professor Neil Ferguson saying the numbers are “looking promising at the moment”.
Mr Johnson is likely to come under increased pressure to speed up the plan after the Welsh government announced that hairdressers would open in mid-March.