Boris Johnson expected to confirm Covid lockdown changes at 5pm press conference

Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference today in which he is expected to confirm the easing of lockdown measures in England.
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The Prime Minister will speak from Downing Street this afternoon and say ‘step three’ of the government's road map out of lockdown will go ahead as planned in a week’s time.

From May 17, most social contact rules on meeting others outdoors will be lifted, although gatherings of more than 30 people will remain illegal.

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Indoors, the rule of six or two households will still apply, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove suggesting physical contact between friends and family will be allowed for the first time in nearly 14 months.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference today in which he is expected to confirm the relaxtion of lockdown measures on May 17Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference today in which he is expected to confirm the relaxtion of lockdown measures on May 17
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference today in which he is expected to confirm the relaxtion of lockdown measures on May 17

It also means pubs and restuarants can reopen their indoor areas, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas can reopen, overnight stays at places such as hotels and B&Bs will be permitted, and domestic and foreign travel will be allowed once again.

Other measures include allowing 30 people to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals.

Ministers are also due to hold a meeting this morning to agree what will happen next, with the government expected to complete a review of social distancing and other long-term measures by June 21.

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Speaking on Sunday, Mr Johnson said: “The road map remains on track, our successful vaccination programme continues – more than two-thirds of adults in the UK have now had the first vaccine – and we can now look forward to unlocking cautiously but irreversibly.

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“It’s because of the British public’s unwavering commitment that we are saving lives, protecting the NHS and controlling the virus.”

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