Shops may reopen and families could meet in contact ‘bubbles’ as Boris Johnson hints further lockdown easing next week
BORIS Johnson has hinted shops could reopen and families may be able to be meet up in social "bubbles" as further lockdown measures are set to be eased next week.
The Prime Minister has said Britain is heading into "step two" of his plan to get the country moving again.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Mr Johnson suggested last night that lockdown measures could be eased further as he spoke during the Downing Street press conference.
He confirmed the country appears to be "in a position to move to step two" on his road map back to some kind of normality amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The second stage is hoped to begin on June 1 - next Monday - if the government is satisfied with the progress made in controlling the pandemic.
It is hoped a further relaxing of measures will coincide with the return of the first classes to school.
Step two includes the potential reopening of non-essential shops, while the government is considering the possible expansion of social "bubbles" so people can meet friends and family they haven't seen in months.
Mr Johnson said: "We will set out what moving to step two means for other areas, such as non-essential retail and more social contacts over the course of the next week.
"We are making good progress, but that progress is conditional, provisional."
He added: "We are beating this thing, but we will beat it all the faster if we stay alert, control the virus and save lives."
Mr Johnson is expected to brief ministers today on his plans and any further tweaks to measures will be rolled out next week.
The government's 50-page road map describes step two as including the reopening of some shops and allowing those who are isolated "more social contact".
Britain has been in lockdown for over two months with most shops closed and people living in isolation since March 23.
Shops would be expected to reopen under strict social distancing measures - like the country has seen in supermarkets during the lockdown.
However, it is unclear which stores will reopen and it is not expected to include hospitality businesses and personal care providers - such as pubs and hairdressers.
Plans are being considered to have a widespread opening of market-style stalls on high streets over the summer.
The government's 50-page plan also explains that social bubbles could be created where Brits can allocate another household to socialise with.
It reads: ";The intention of this change would be to allow those who are isolated some more social contact, and to reduce the most harmful effects of the current social restrictions, while continuing to limit the risk of chains of transmission."
The government however has always been clear its road map is entirely conditional on the continued decline of the virus.
Mr Johnson has said he will not hesitate to slam on the brakes if it looks like Britain risks a second wave of the deadly bug - which has killed almost 37,000 people and infected nearly 260,000.
Mr Johnson confirmed last night primary schools will reopen on June 1 as he said returning kids to classrooms is crucial for their “health, welfare and long term future”.
But he admitted it may “not be possible” for all schools to reopen by next week.
Secondaries will start reopening a fortnight later, on June 15, so Year 10 and Year 12 can have “some contact” to help prepare for GCSEs and A-levels.
The Department for Education has drawn up strict plans it says will keep kids safe when schools return - included capped class sizes.
MOS T READ IN NEWS
But critics said the announcement was an attempt to shift the spotlight away from the Dominic Cummings row.
Mr Cummings has been accused of breaking lockdown twice, prompting calls for him to step down or be sacked.
The PM last night said he had cleared his close advisor of any wrongdoing and called his actions "sensible and defensible".
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Cummings had “insulted” the sacrifices of the British public, and ten Tory MPs have called for him to resign.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .