The lockdown changes Boris Johnson could make in March as part of 'Covid roadmap'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to outline his ‘roadmap’ for ending lockdown next Monday, February 22, with a few big changes expected in March.
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Boris Johnson will address the nation on Monday to outline his ‘roadmap’ for loosening Covid restrictions.

What, and how quickly, thing will change is based on a number of determining factors – including the national R rate, hospital admissions, and the amount of people that have received the first dose of the vaccine.

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The UK’s R rate has fallen to between 0.7 to 0.9, meaning every 10 people infected will infect between 7 and 9 other people.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris JohnsonBritain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson

The R rate increased significantly at the tail end of last year, ending up between 0.9 to 1 in December.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “We keep the latest data and evidence under constant review and on February 22, subject to the findings, we will set out our plan for reopening schools and gradually reopening our economy and society.”

What could change in March?

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Number 10 has said that schools could potentially reopen from as early as March 8, with the Prime Minister not ruling out a staged return for pupils from different age and year groups.

Parents have been promised two weeks notice before schools are to re-open.

There is also the possibility that there could be an easing on outdoor recreation and socialising outlined in the Prime Minister’s roadmap.

This could include being allowed to meet a person from another household, and not just for exercise, as well as the return of social distanced sport – such as boules or tennis.

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However, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "I can't pre-empt what's going to be in the road map or the details of the review this week.

"It will be the review this week that informs the decisions we make and what is contained in the road map on Monday.”

It is also anticipated that pubs, bars and restaurants could open from as early as mid-April, with senior Conservative MP’s pushing for loosening of hospitality rules from the Easter period.

Rules for opening could include curfews and outdoor-only seating.