Boris Johnson: Next lockdown easing will go ahead on Monday

During a Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson thanked the public for the sacrifices made during lockdown.

From May 17, people will be able to meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 and indoors in groups of six, or two households.

Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve customers indoors, although they will be limited to table service.

Cinemas, museums, theatres and concert halls will be allowed to reopen, but there will be capacity limits on large events.

This is also the case with fans in outdoor sports stadiums, with Mr Johnson stating: “We’ll unlock the turnstiles of our sports stadia subject to capacity limits.”

Next step of lockdown easing WILL go ahead on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirms (Image: PA)

The ‘stay in the UK’ restriction will lift and people will be able to travel to ‘green list’ countries such as Portugal, although they are still being advised not to go to destinations on the amber list.

Up to 30 people will be allowed at weddings, but dancing will still not be allowed, and the cap on the number of mourners attending funerals will be lifted in line with the safe capacity of the venue.

Secondary school pupils will no longer be told to wear face masks in class and communal areas.

Mr Johnson said: “I want to thank you particularly because your efforts have so visibly paid off, giving us the time to vaccinate more than two thirds of all adults across the UK, with more than one third – nearly 18 million people – also receiving their second dose, and thereby unquestionably saving many lives.

“And so it’s precisely because of your efforts that I can confirm today that we’ve met our four tests for further easing the lockdown in England.”

The Prime Minister also said that England remains ‘on track’ to end all legal restrictions on June 21, and that the Government will update its guidance on close contact between friends and family on Monday.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance during the press briefing in Downing Street (Image: PA)

“This doesn’t mean that we can suddenly throw caution to the winds. We all know that close contacts such as hugging is a direct way of transmitting this disease,” he said.

“So I urge you to think about the vulnerability of your loved ones.”

He said people should consider whether people had had the vaccine – and if so if they had had the second dose – and whether there has been time for it to take effect.

Moreover, Mr Johnson said that people should continue to follow social distancing rules when not with family and friends.

He added: “We only have to look at the very sad situation in other countries to see the lethal potential of this virus, and we must continue to fight the spread of variants here in the UK.

“While we have no evidence yet to believe these variants are completely vaccine resistant, we must remain vigilant.”