Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

When is Boris Johnson announcing his road map out of lockdown?

Government has said getting pupils back to school is its top priority

Matt Mathers
Friday 19 February 2021 11:08 EST
Comments
PM is expected to announce easing of some restrictions
PM is expected to announce easing of some restrictions (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Boris Johnson will next week set out plans for easing England's third national lockdown as new Covid-19 cases and deaths continue to fall.

The prime minister is expected to spend the weekend finalising his "roadmap" out of restrictions before making an announcement on 22 February.

Mr Johnson has previously said he wants this lockdown "to be the last", adding that progress will be cautious but "irreversible".

So what can the public expect when the prime minister delivers his address on Monday?

Schools

Downing Street has remained tight-lipped on what restrictions might be lifted as it seeks to manage expectations.

But the government has said getting schools back is its priority. The PM is expected to announce that pupils can begin returning to the classroom on 8 March.

Teaching unions have warned, however, that a phased approach may be needed to allow for Covid testing and to prevent classroom transmission of the disease.

Ministers are also expected to make a number of announcements in the days after 22 February, outlining a series of proposals on how the government aims to help children who have fallen behind because of the pandemic.

Meeting a friend outside

Under current rules, meeting anyone from outside of your own household is banned unless it is for exercise or they are part of your support bubble.

The PM is expected to confirm that from 8 March people will be able to meet one friend from outside their household for a coffee on a park bench or picnic outside.

But mixing inside and larger gatherings will remain against the rules.

Pubs, restaurants and hospitality

Pubs and restaurants remain closed in England and are only permitted to offer takeaways.

Any reopening of the hospitality industry will depend on the coronavirus R number – or rate of transmission – trending downwards.

At a press conference earlier this month, the PM said there is still not enough data to be able to make a firm decision on when pubs and restaurants can reopen.

However, some reports have suggested drinking in a pub beer garden might be allowed from the beginning of April, with restrictions on sitting in eased by May.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in