Coronavirus UK news update – Schools reopen and meeting with friends ALLOWED in weeks, Boris’ lockdown roadmap reveals

SECONDARY SCHOOL AND COLLEGE PUPILS FACE REGULAR RAPID COVID-19 TESTS AT HOME

Secondary school and college students in England will be asked to take regular coronavirus tests at home when they return to school next month.

The Prime Minister has confirmed that all pupils will return to class from March 8, but the return of students in secondary schools and colleges could be staggered due to the logistics of mass testing.

Secondary school and college students and staff are also being advised to wear face coverings in all areas, including classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained until Easter under strengthened protective measures.

Pupils in secondary schools and colleges will be asked to carry out rapid Covid-19 tests at home twice a week after they have been tested three times on site over the first two weeks of term.

Students in secondary schools and colleges will be asked to use a lateral flow device when they return in a fortnight – and if they test negative, they will be allowed to resume face-to-face classes. Secondary school and college leaders will be given some flexibility to stagger the return of students from the week beginning March 8 to ensure pupils are tested before returning to class.

JOHNSON SETS OUT ROAD MAP TO END ‘WRETCHED YEAR’ OF CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS

England’s coronavirus restrictions could finally be lifted by June 21 as part of a four-stage plan, Boris Johnson has announced as he declared « the end really is in sight ».

The Prime Minister told MPs the approach was « cautious but also irreversible », with the impact of the vaccination programme replacing the need for lockdown measures.

He said a « wretched year would give way to a spring and a summer that will be very different and incomparably better ».

The Prime Minister acknowledged that scientific modelling suggested that lifting lockdown measures would increase Covid-19 cases and ultimately deaths but insisted the restrictions could not continue indefinitely.

In the first phase, all pupils in England’s schools are expected to return to class from March 8, with wider use of face masks and testing in secondaries.

MAPPED: BORIS JOHNSON’S ROADMAP OUT OF LOCKDOWN

RESTRICTIONS ON WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS TO BE LIFTED IN SUMMER

Restrictions on weddings and funerals will be lifted completely from the summer, the Government has announced.

All limits on weddings and other life events in England are to be removed from June 21 subject to the outcome of a review by scientists.

The plans were unveiled as Boris Johnson delivered his road map out of lockdown restrictions in the Commons on Monday.

Under current rules, weddings are only allowed in « exceptional circumstances », such as in cases of terminal illness or life-changing surgery.

In England, 30 people are permitted to attend a funeral under the coronavirus regulations.

NIGHT TIME INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION WANTS MORE CLARITY

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said: « We are pleased to hear within the Prime Minister’s statement the inclusion of a timeline for night-time economy businesses, in particular some of the hardest-hit businesses, many of which have been closed since March 2020, like nightclubs, bars and casinos.

« Despite this, our evidence suggests that 85% of those who work in the night-time economy are considering leaving the sector.

« The sector urgently needs additional clarity on reopening and critical financial support from the Chancellor if we are to avoid economic and social damage that will last a generation. »

MUSIC VENUE TRUST WELCOMES GOVT GUIDANCE FOR EVENTS

Mark Davyd, chief executive of the Music Venue Trust, said: « It is good to hear the Government provide conditions under which initially socially distanced events, and then fuller capacity events, can take place.

« Based on this information, it is now possible to imagine how we Revive Live in grassroots music venues and develop that work into the full return of our domestic music scene.

« We note that this road map once again singles out live performance events as a specific risk which require that the sector is treated in a special way.

« Since March 2020, we have made the case to the Government that if this is the case, based on their interpretation of the data, then it is logical that the Government will choose to address that specific status with sector-specific financial support to mitigate the damage being done to businesses and people’s lives, careers and families right across the live music industry. »

STARMER URGES JOHNSON TO RESIST PRESSURE TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS FASTER

Sir Keir Starmer urged Boris Johnson to resist any pressure to lift restrictions more quickly.

He told the Commons: « I know the Prime Minister will come under pressure from those on his own benches to go faster and to throw caution to the wind.

« Last week, it was reported that around 60 of his own members of Parliament called for the end of all restrictions by the end of April.

« I’m sure there are going to be similar calls this afternoon. I hope the Prime Minister takes the opportunity to face this down because if this road map is to work he needs to listen to the chief scientific officer and the chief medical officer, not (Conservative MP Steve Baker) or (Conservative MP Mark Harper).

« If the Prime Minister does, he will have our support and will secure a majority in the House. If he does not, we will waste all the sacrifices of the last 12 months. »

MID-MAY RETURN AT EARLIEST FOR RACING

Spectators are not expected to return to racecourses until mid-May at the earliest after Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid out his road map for the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

While schools are set to return on March 8 and grassroots sport will be reinstated not before March 29, along with larger groups being allowed to gather in parks and gardens, the Prime Minster is planning to allow limited crowds back to sports venues only from May 17 at the earliest.

Indoor events will be capped at 50 per cent capacity or 1,000, whichever is lower, and for outdoor events this will be 50 per cent capacity or 4,000, whichever is lower.

The road map includes special provision for large, outdoor, seated venues where crowds can be safely distributed, allowing up to 10,000 people or 25 per cent of total seated capacity, whichever is lower.

WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND?

Northern Ireland was put back into lockdown on Boxing Day, with hopes the strict rules would be lifted on February 6.

However, the restrictions were recently extended until March as the battle against Covid continues.

Now, the lockdown is expected to continue to at least April, with a review expected on March 18.

Some moves towards relaxing lockdown in the country have already been made.

Primary school pupils in year groups P1 to P3 are expected to return to face-to-face learning on March 8.

WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR WALES?

First Minister Mark Drakeford said Wales was seeing « encouraging green shoots » after the spike in cases.

From today, February 22, children aged three to seven will begin returning to schools in a phased way.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, four people from two different households were able to meet outdoors for socially distanced local exercise.

However, people are still not allowed to drive to exercise – with Mr Drakeford saying: « it does mean exercise, not socialising ».

From March 1, licensed wedding venues, such as visitor attractions and hotels, will be allowed to re-open but only to perform wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.

WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR SCOTLAND?

Nicola Sturgeon today confirmed she will set out the « gradual lifting » of lockdown restrictions in a Holyrood statement tomorrow.

The First Minister will address the Scottish Parliament with an update on the pandemic and route map out of lockdown about 2.20pm.

The FM will announce Scotland’s planned exit from lockdown and set out an « indicative order of priority » of the easing of restrictions.

The Ministerial Statement will also outline plans to return to the Tier system which means specific geographic levels of restrictions.

But the FM told Scots it will be a « cautious » easing of restrictions with a « sure and steady » approach to prevent another lockdown being required.

JOHNSON HINTS FURLOUGH COULD BE EXTENDED

Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested there will be an extension to the furlough scheme as he promised not to « pull the rug out » on economic support.

It came as he updated parliament on his roadmap out of lockdown.

The Prime Minister said: « We will not pull the rug out. 

« We will do whatever it takes to protect jobs across the UK and my right honourable friend the Chancellor will set out plans next Wednesday. » 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to set out his Budget on Wednesday March 3.

Read the full details here.

POSTCODE LOCKDOWNS TO CONTINUE TO CURB COVID

Po-up postcode lockdowns will continue to be used to squash future outbreaks of new Covid variants as the roadmap to getting out of lockdown was revealed today.

Surge testing has already been deployed across the UK to clamp down on the South African variant after it saw cases of the deadly bug spike.

Just this weekend, locals in Brentwood, Essex, were told additional testing would be made available after a case was identified in the area.

And Boris Johnson today confirmed the method would continue to be used as he announced details over how the Covid restrictions would be eased in the coming few weeks.

In the roadmap released today, it was stated that if a dangerous variant was identified and was « likely to pose a real risk to the vaccination programme or public health » the Government would act fast.

Read the latest details here.

JOHNSON: BRITS MAY NEED VACCINE PASSPORT TO VISIT PUB

Brits could need vaccine passports for every day activities under plans announced by Boris Johnson today.

In a major u-turn the PM revealed he will order a review into whether jabs certificates should be used to help reopen the economy.

Boris signalled a change of heart while delivering his roadmap out of lockdown in the Commons this afternoon.

He said a Government review will « consider the potential role of Covid status certification in helping venues to open safely, but mindful of the many concerns surrounding exclusion, discrimination, and privacy ».

Read all the details here.

UK HOLIDAYS ALLOWED FROM APRIL

Holidays in England will go ahead from April, the Prime Minister has said.

Self-catered accommodation will be able to reopen from April 12, but only for one household meaning you cannot go on holiday with friends or family.

Hotels and group holidays will then resume from May 17 – this can only be for two households, with no limit on people, or the rule of six from more than two households.

Hotels and group holidays with no restrictions will go ahead from June 21.

Day trips will also be allowed to go ahead from April 12, which will include attractions such as zoos and theme parks, although indoor hospitality will not resume until May 17.

Read the full details here.

THEME PARKS TO OPEN DOORS ON APRIL 12

Theme parks will be able to reopen from April 12, with outdoor hospitality resuming for Easter.

However, it will only open towards the end of the holidays, this year running from April 1 to April 16.

This includes other outdoor venues such as zoos, but the lockdown dates only apply to England, not Wales and Scotland.

Indoor entertainment at the parks will not be able to resume until May 17.

Read our story here.

NO DECISION ON FOREIGN HOLIDAYS

Brits won’t find out until April 12 if they’ll be going on holiday abroad this summer.

The Prime Minister announced today that the government would not make any decision until April – and that trips abroad will definitely be no earlier than May 17.

The Global Travel Taskforce will report on April 12, with recommendations aimed at facilitating a return to international travel as soon as
possible.

Following that, the Government will determine when international travel should resume, which will be no earlier than 17 May.

In addition, from March 8, outbound travellers will be legally obliged to provide their reason for travel on the Declaration to Travel form.

Read the full story here.

WEDDING RESTRICTIONS EASED FROM APRIL

Boris Johnson has announced restrictions on weddings will be eased from April under his lockdown roadmap.

Thousands of couples forced to postpone their big days due to Covid in 2020 and with ceremonies arranged this year have been on tenterhooks to discover how their plans will be affected.

Under the PM’s roadmap, up to 15 attendees – including brides and grooms – will be allowed from April 12.

This number will rise to 30 from May 17.

It is hoped an unlimited number of guests will be allowed as all restrictions are scrapped from June 21, but the PM stressed this will be reviewed nearer the time.

Read the full details here.

WORK FROM HOME TO REMAIN UNTIL AT LEAST JUNE

BRITS will have to work from home if they can until June at the earliest, Boris Johnson revealed today.

The Prime Minister unveiled his roadmap back to normal this afternoon, telling the Commons he hopes it will be a « one way road to freedom ».

He said we « cannot persist indefinitely with restrictions » adding: « That is why it is so crucial that this roadmap should be cautious and indefinite. » 

The PM confirmed he will ease the nation back to normality in four stages, with each new stage assessed every five weeks.

The Government will review its work from home rules ahead of the fourth and final stage of the plan.

Read our story here.

NON-ESSENTIAL SHOPS TO REOPEN APRIL 12

Non-essential shops can open their doors again on April 12 as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced plans for businesses re-opening and the country returning to normal.

In a speech to Parliament today, the PM revealed a four-step roadmap detailing what activities people can do and when – as long as coronavirus cases continue to fall.

Mr Johnsons said he hoped the roadmap was a « one way road to freedom » but the threat from covid remained « substantial ».

Read the full story here.

BETTING SHOPS TO REOPEN APRIL 12

Betting shops will be able to reopen from April 12 under Boris Johnson’s plans to ease the nation out of lockdown.

The Prime Minister revealed his roadmap out of lockdown today, with non-essential stores able to welcome customers back from mid-April.

Read the full details here.

GYMS TO REOPEN APRIL 12

Fitness fans will be able to hit the gym from April 12 – but classes won’t start again until mid-May.

The Prime Minister updated the House of Commons today with key dates for when businesses will reopen.

As part of his announcement, the PM said gyms will be allowed to reopen from April 12, meaning Brits will no longer be limited to working out outside.

However, group exercise classes won’t restart until mid-May when restrictions start lifting for indoor gatherings.

Before gyms open their doors once again, outdoor sports – such as tennis and golf – will return from March 29.

Read the full story here.

ENJOY A PINT OUTDOORS FROM APRIL

PUBS will be able to welcome thirsty Brits again from April 12 with drinkers allowed inside again from May 17 – Boris Johnson announced today.

The Prime Minister has today unveiled his roadmap out of lockdown as he prepares to lift restrictions and « reclaim our freedoms » in the coming months.

The PM said from April 12, Brits will be able to meet in beer gardens as either six people or two households.

This will be followed by the opening of pubs and restaurants indoors on May 17, with social distancing measures in place.

The hated 10pm curfew will be scrapped as well as rules meaning customers must order food to be able to enjoy a pint.

Read the full story here.

HAIRDRESSERS TO REOPEN APRIL 12

Hairdressers and barbers are set to re-open from April 12 as the Prime Minister eases the Covid lockdown.

Brits will be able to get their locks chopped in just a few weeks under Boris Johnson’s announcement today – but have been warned they should only visit the businesses alone or with their household.

As part of the roadmap released today, hair dressers will be opened as part of the second phase.

The document today states « non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers, salons and close contact services; and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas » will all be able to reopen from April 12.

Ministers have previously been pushing to reopen hairdressers and salons to boost the nation’s spirits.

Read the full story here.

JOHNSON: NO VACCINE IS EVER 100 PER CENT EFFECTIVE

Boris Johnson added that « no vaccine can ever be 100% effective ».

He told MPs: « So, as the modelling released by Sage today shows, we cannot escape the fact that lifting lockdown will result in more cases, more hospitalisations and sadly more deaths.

« And this would happen whenever lockdown is lifted – whether now or in six or nine months – because there will always be some vulnerable people who are not protected by the vaccines.

« There is therefore no credible route to a zero-Covid Britain, or indeed, a zero-Covid world and we cannot persist indefinitely with restrictions that debilitate our economy, our physical and mental wellbeing and the life chances of our children. »