Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlines roadmap to ease the nation out of lockdown
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined his roadmap to ease the nation out of lockdown.
Speaking in a video, Mr Johnson began his address by thanking the public for adhering to the social distancing and lockdown measures, before explaining the next phase.
However, the Prime Minister insisted that "this is not the time to end lockdown. Instead we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures."
Mr Johnson outlined three steps that would take place in phases and could be altered depending on the "science, the data and public health."
Step one: This week.
From Monday 11 May, those who can't work from home - for example those who work in the construction and manufacturing industry - are encouraged to return to work.
However, they should "avoid public transport if at all possible" and travel by car, walking or bicycle instead.
From Wednesday 13 May, the public are encouraged to "take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise."
"You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household," Mr Johnson said.
However, he reiterated the importance of social distancing and warned that there will be an increase in the amount people will be fined if they break the rules.
Step 2: At the earliest by June 1.
There will be a phased reopening of shops and get primary pupils back into schools in stages beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6.
Outlining his plan for Secondary school pupils, Mr Johnson said: "Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays."
Step 3: Earliest by July.
Subject to the conditions and scientific advice, the prime minister outlined his plan to "re-open at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places, provided they are safe and enforce social distancing."
The government's five key tests for lifting the lockdown are:
"We must protect the NHS' ability to cope. We must be confident we are able to provide sufficient critical care and specialist treatment right across the UK."
"We need to see a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate from coronavirus so we can be confident we have moved beyond the peak."
We need to have reliable data from SAGE showing that the rate of infection is decreasing to manageable levels across the board."
"We need to be confident that the range of operational challenges including testing capacity and PPE are in hand with supply able to meet future demand."
"We need to be confident that any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections that overwhelm the NHS."
During his address, the prime minister also confirmed that travellers coming into the country will have to quarantine for 14 days.