All number limits on socialising both indoors and outdoors set to end in June

Boris Johnson has now outlined his full roadmap out of lockdown, confirming the plan to MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon.

The PM confirmed that the easing of restrictions would happen in four stages, and that if the roadmap goes to plan all limits on socialising will end on June 21st.

The process will begin with all schools in England reopening on March 8th. From the same date, people will also be able to meet outdoors and socialise with one person for ‘recreation’ – for coffee or a picnic, for example.

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Then from March 29th up to a maximum of six people – or two households – will be able to meet outside, with the ‘rule of six’ being reintroduced.

The next stage is expected to begin on April 12th at the earliest as the lockdown easing continues in five-week intervals, with the whole process stretching into June.

Hairdressers, beauty salons, and non-essential shops will reopen in stage two, as will pubs, restaurants and bars – but for outdoor service only.

Gyms, libraries, zoos, museums and theme parks will also reopen in this stage, but you can only go to any indoor setting with members of your own household.

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Stage three will happen no earlier than May 17th, with gatherings of up to 30 people outside allowed, the ‘rule of six’ introduced inside, as well as large-scale sports events and performances returning.

Stage four will happen no earlier than June 21st, and will see all number limits on socialising both indoors and outdoors removed, with the government hopeful nightclubs can reopen, and international travel could potentially resume.

This will be the final step, with the prime minister saying he hopes this will be ‘irreversible’, and it will see the limit on the numbers of people that can mix indoors or outdoors removed.

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The government is hopeful that nightclubs and other large-scale events like concerts will also be able to reopen in this stage.

Four reviews will also take place during stage four

• The first will assess how long we will need to maintain both social distancing and face masks going forward

• Number two will review international travel to see when it might resume. However, there will be a report by April 12th so people can plan for the summer, Mr Johnson said

• Next will be a review to consider the potential role of Covid status certification to help venues open safely

• Finally, the fourth review will look at the safe return of major events
  

All the dates are dependent on four tests being met, which are vaccination targets, the vaccine reducing hospitalisation and deaths, the pressure on the NHS, and new covid variants.

Any dates given are subject to these four tests being met.

You can see the full roadmap here.