When will lockdown end?
BORIS Johnson delayed lockdown lifting as he is concerned about the surge in cases of the super-infectious Indian Covid variant.
The Prime Minister has announced the delay in “freedom day” to July 19 after cases of the mutant Indian strain have soared.
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Will lockdown end on June 21?
Today, Boris Johnson announced a delay to lockdown lifting “freedom day" to July 19 after cases of the mutant Indian strain exploded by 240 per cent in just a week, according to reports.
Speaking at a press conference today, the Prime Minister said: "I think it is sensible to wait just a little longer. We will hold off until July 19."
"I am confident we won't need more than four weeks - it's unmistakable clear that the vaccines are working - but now is the time to ease off the accelerator.
"We have the chance to save many thousands of lives by vaccinating millions more people."
Under plans drawn up and announced on Monday, a two-week review will be included meaning Covid restrictions could be dropped sooner if hospitalisations stay down.
The delay will be used to work out if the vaccine rollout really means rising cases numbers do not spark a surge in hospitalisations - and it will allow millions more people to be double jabbed.
Could the UK go back into lockdown?
Today, it was revealed that June 21 "Freedom Day" would be halted, and moved back a month until July 19.
Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance reportedly produced "fairly grim" data yesterday that vaccines were not 100 per cent effective - and that the Indian "Delta" variant was spreading fast in large parts of Britain.
They said Mr Johnson would not be too bruised by the delay so long as lockdown was lifted before the start of the school holidays around July 23.
The PM has said he will take "whatever action" is necessary either "regionally or nationally" to squash the Indian Covid variant.
This could mean a return for some in England to local lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said "we rule nothing out" in terms of redrawing the jabs rollout or even reimposing lockdowns.
Asked if local lockdowns could be reimposed, Mr Zahawi replied: "We will rule nothing out to make sure we bear down on this virus and get our lives back according to the roadmap."
Local lockdowns are only expected to be used if evidence suggests they are necessary to contain or suppress a variant that escapes the vaccine.
Tory Steve Baker, deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of MPs, asked: "Why on earth would we lock down when the vaccines continue to break the link between cases and hospitalisations and deaths?"
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham warned against attempts to impose local measures, saying "we would be very concerned".
Where is the Indian variant in the UK?
According to Public Health England stats the North West has some of the highest infection rates in England.
Across the UK, cases have risen with experts saying that the Indian variant is now present in every corner of the country.
It comes as six million people now face extra restrictions as parts of Manchester and Lancashire were hit with new travel rules, with the army being deployed in some areas to enhance testing capabilities.
One-tenth of the UK's population are being told to "minimise" travel in and out of the areas, which have been hit with a spike in cases.
Blackburn with Darwen in Lancashire continues to have the highest rate of infections in the country.
What's the latest on lockdowns in Scotland, Wales and in Northern Ireland?
SCOTLAND:
Scotland for the fifth time in the past six days.
A total of 1,036 Scots tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours but no new deaths have been recorded.
In total there been 246,780 positive tests in Scotland since last March.
3,497,287 Scots have had one jab, and 2,425,825 have had both.
WALES:
From June 7, outdoor events with up to 10,000 people seated or up to 4,000 people standing are allowed.
Extended households can be formed between 3 households and up to 30 people can meet in any outdoor area, including private gardens, public spaces and outdoor regulated premises such as cafes, restaurants and bars.
In Wales, Covid-19 has dropped off the top-10 all together to become the 18th leading cause of death.
NORTHERN IRELAND:
N. Ireland is continuing the easing of restrictions as pubs and restaurants can serve people indoors while cinemas, museums and casinos are allowed to reopen.
Non-essential travelling to the UK is now permitted while the traffic light system has been adopted for travelling abroad.
How will lockdown end in the UK?
The PM unveiled his four-step blueprint to lift lockdown at the end of March 2021, but he warned that before each step could be taken, benchmark numbers must be met.
These include the number of Covid infections, coronavirus-related hospital admissions, vaccinations and deaths.
The Prime Minister is now set to delay lockdown lifting “freedom day” to July 19 due to a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Under plans drawn up to be announced on Monday, a two-week review will be included meaning Covid restrictions could be dropped on July 5 if hospitalisations stay down.
Under the changes expected to be announced, social distancing rules and the rule-of-six are set to remain in place.
Pubs and restaurants won't be able to open to full capacity, with the number of customers allowed in limited by social distancing rules, and table service remaining.
It will mean still only six people can eat together inside, with gatherings of up to 30 people allowed outside.
Ministers reportedly worry the planned two to four-week delay to the June 21 'freedom day' would leave a "very short window to open up".
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How many national lockdowns have there been in the UK?
The UK has had three lockdowns.
The first lockdown started on March 23, 2020, and restrictions lasted into July.
The second UK lockdown was announced on October 31, despite the Prime Minister vowing to do "everything in his power" to avoid the measures.
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The measures came into force on Thursday, November 5, and ended on December 2.
On January 4, 2021, the third national lockdown was confirmed.