Boris Johnson suggests 'route' out of lockdown
![UP NEXT]()
UP NEXT
Lockdown has kept millions of people under strict measures since January this year. Much like the first in 2020, people cannot meet in groups, go shopping or visit friends in hospitality settings. As such, everyone is anxious to leave the vice grip imposed by the latest measures.
When will lockdown end?
Boris Johnson said he would draw an "irreversible" plan to prize the country from the grips if lockdown.
If he gets his way, the current restrictions will be the last imposed by his Government.
But to get there in the first place, ministers will have to meet a selection of criteria.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson admits proof NEEDED for freedom from lockdown
© GETTYLockdown end date six tests end of lockdown evg
© GETTYLockdown end date: Stay at home
Back in January, Matt Hancock announced criteria which would guide the Government's hand.
At the time, he told MPs they would use four different determining factors in their decisions.
Mr Hancock said: "Those are, that there isn't another major, new variant that is causing difficulties.
"The vaccination program is working, and the number of hospitalisations and deaths is coming down."
© EXPRESSLockdown end date: Lockdown rules
Now the number of factors seems to have increased to six, as variants start cropping up.
They include:
- Vaccine rollout causes case decline
- Case rates drop "really low"
- Hospitalisations drop
- Deaths fall
- R number drops lower
- New variants don't increase pressure
DON'T MISS
Tory MPs launch bid to curtail Boris's power amid fury at Covid rules - INSIGHT
Lockdown end: Boris to confirm when restrictions will end next Monday - EXPLAINER
Lockdown poll: Should Boris open pubs and restaurants for Easter? - POLL
© GETTYLockdown end date: Matt Hancock
The Government will outline the "roadmap" from lockdown on February 22.
But it has already provided a tentative reopening strategy, starting with schools.
Ministers aim to return children to education by March 8, after two months out of the classroom.
A gradual easement will follow for the rest of the country's population.
Outdoor recreation is next on the priority list, allowing people from different households to meet in public.
Non-essential shops could reopen not long after, including cafes.
Customers may be able to enjoy a coffee outside, with pubs, restaurants and cafes last to welcome people back.
The plan may not sit well with Tory MPs, many of whom want all restrictions eased by April this year.