The Prime Minister will today set out the Government’s roadmap for "cautiously" easing lockdown restrictions in England.
The cabinet will meet virtually on Monday (February 22) to discuss the plan, which will be followed by Boris Johnson giving a statement to Parliament and a televised press conference at 7pm.
He will set out the latest data on infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths, as well as early data showing the impact of the vaccine.
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The Government said its plan for leaving lockdown would aim to balance health, economic and social factors with the latest data and advice.
Mr Johnson said: "I’ll be setting out a roadmap to bring us out of lockdown cautiously. Our priority has always been getting children back into school which we know is crucial for their education as well as their mental and physical wellbeing, and we will also be prioritising ways for people to reunite with loved ones safely.
"Our decisions will be made on the latest data at every step, and we will be cautious about this approach so that we do not undo the progress we have achieved so far and the sacrifices each and every one of you has made to keep yourself and others safe.
"We have therefore set four key tests which must be met before we can move through each step of the plan."
The roadmap outlines four steps for easing restrictions. The government said it would examine the data at each step before moving to the next one. This assessment will be based on:
- The vaccine deployment programme continuing successfully;
- Evidence showing vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated;
- Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS;
- The assessment of the risks is not changed by new variants.
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According to the Government, the four tests are currently being met so the first step will start on March 8. It has also confirmed that restrictions will be eased step-by-step across the whole of England at the same time - rather than regionally.
MPs will vote on the regulations in Parliament in the coming weeks. The The Government said it would also "work closely" with the devolved administrations.
They are setting out approaches for easing for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What do you think of the Government's plan to ease lockdown restrictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below