TODAY Boris Johnson announced the lockdown exit roadmap, detailing the plans to ease restrictions.

The changes will apply across England, rather than on a regional basis.

Here is everything we know so far about when and how England's lockdown will be eased.

Live updates as Boris Johnson unveils lockdown exit plan.

STEP ONE

March 8

The Prime Minister is set to tell MPs today that all pupils in all years in England can go back to the classroom from March 8, with outdoor after-school sports and activities allowed to restart as well.

Socialising in parks and public spaces with one other person will also be permitted in a fortnight, when the rules are relaxed, to allow people to sit down for a drink or picnic.

March 29

A further easing of restrictions will take place on March 29 when the school Easter holidays begin – with larger groups allowed to gather in parks and gardens.

By the Easter holidays the “rule of six” will return, along with new measures allowing two households totalling more than six people to meet – giving greater flexibility for families and friends.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts are also set to reopen, and organised adult and children’s sport, including grassroots football, can return from March 29.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said people would also be able to travel to see friends and family from another household from March 29, “as long as it’s outdoors, and it is two families, or the rule of six”.

Government will drop the "Stay at Home" message and will instead encourage people to stay local wherever they can

People will still have to work from home where possible and no overseas travel, apart from necessary work, will be allowed.

Progress on the next steps out of lockdown will depend on meeting four tests: the success of the vaccine rollout, evidence of vaccine efficacy, an assessment of new variants, and keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS. If these four tests are not met the dates will be pushed back.

STEP TWO

12 April

Non-essential retail, including hairdressers and beauty salons, can reopen.

Libraries, museums, zoos, theme parks, drive in cinemas and gyms can open - but no indoor mixing of different households is allowed.

Outdoor hospitality can reopen, including pubs and restaurants - with the rule of six or a larger group from two households. Customers will NOT have to buy a substantial meal to have an alcoholic drink but seating is compulsory when eating or drinking.

Self-catering holidays in the UK with your own household will be allowed as well as funerals of up to 30 people, wakes of up to 15 people.

April 15

This is the latest date by which all over-50s and at-risk groups are meant to have been offered their first dose, according to the NHS.

After that, the NHS will move onto giving first doses to the final, lowest-priority group - all adults under 50 without major health issues.

STEP THREE

17 May

In step three, which will be no earlier than May 17 and at least five weeks after the second step, the Government will further ease limits on social contact.

Outdoors, the rule of six and two household requirement will be lifted, although gatherings of more than 30 people in parks and gardens will remain illegal.

Meanwhile, up to six people or a larger group from up to two households will be permitted to meet indoors, but this is subject to review.

Indoor hospitality – inside pubs and restaurants – is set to open up at this point, where the rule of six or two household rule will apply, alongside entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas.

Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues, with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full, whichever is lower, will be allowed, while outdoors it will be 4,000 people or half-full, again whichever is lower.

Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals, and other life events will be permitted, such as bar mitzvahs and christenings.

STEP FOUR

21 June

he last step will be no earlier than June 21 – and at least five weeks after the third step – when it is hoped that all legal limits on social contact will be removed.

It is also hoped that the final closed sectors of the economy, such as nightclubs, could be allowed to reopen, while restrictions on large events could also be eased.

July 31

All adults in the UK will be offered at least one dose of a Covid vaccine by the end of July, the Prime Minister has announced.

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