SPRING IN OUR STEP
Everything we know about Boris Johnson’s lockdown roadmap – including the reopening of gyms, pubs and hairdressers
NO 10 has dismissed as speculation reports that pubs could be serving customers outdoors from April.
With Boris Johnson unveiling his roadmap to recovery on Monday, the PM has promised to be guided by "data, not dates" when he announces our route out of the Covid lockdown.
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The Sun has revealed that the measures he 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 now allowing four people from two different households to meet outdoors - but not in private gardens - for socially distanced local exercise.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the next three-week review of Wales' regulations will consider the restrictions around non-essential retail and close contact services.
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 across England to reopen on March 8 - and for children across all age groups to get back in to their classrooms at the same time.
But a coalition of unions and professional bodies warned that reopening schools to all pupils in England simultaneously would be "reckless" and could risk another spike in Covid infections.
There have been reports, too, that Prof Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, has been resisting Mr Johnson's plans for a "big bang" reopening of schools.
The Guardian wrote that he was "very unhappy" with the idea of all ten million pupils and staff returning to schools.
But, Downing Street is extremely keen for all schools to reopen.
Some children in Wales and Scotland are due to return to school next week before a full reopening on March 15.
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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 has confirmed.
Household mixing from Easter
Under Boris's plan, two households will be allowed to socialise outdoors from Easter.
The PM is expected to tell the nation that new rules will be introduced, letting two households to meet outside - regardless of their size.
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Mixing in parks and possibly gardens is set to be announced, allowing families to see each other for the first time since January.
It's not clear whether the Rule of Six will be reintroduced, after several senior ministers, including the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, spoke against it, reports The Times.
They've pressed for the limit to be raised to at least eight, as there are concerns about families being penalised and barred from meeting each other.
It's hoped pubs could reopen for takeaway pints, with gyms keen to also reopen.
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 professional trim.
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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 international vaccination passports to allow trips abroad.
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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."
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Mr Johnson and his closest ministers are studying vaccine data this weekend before presenting the plans to Cabinet on Monday for sign off.
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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.
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