BRITS will be able to enjoy new-found freedoms from Monday as the next stage of the Covid lockdown roadmap is set to go ahead.
But Boris Johnson will hold an urgent No 10 press conference tonight amid fears the spread of the Indian variant will delay the end of lockdown.
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The PM revealed 11 Covid lockdown changes at a press conference from Downing Street on Monday.
And indoor pints, hugs and holidays are finally on their way back.
Mr Johnson told Brits: "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."
Before cases of the Indian variant more than doubled in the last week, Mr Johnson said the UK remained "on track" for all restrictions to end on June 21.
'ANXIOUS'
But speaking on Thursday, the PM admitted to being "anxious" about the mutation and said new measures may be needed in hotspots where it has emerged.
And Mr Johnson refused to rule out the possibility that the final stage of the roadmap on June 21 may have to be delayed.
It's likely that tonight's press conference will focus on how to combat the India variant with surge testing and vaccines – and not on major changes to the roadmap.
At least four people have died in the UK after contracting the Indian Covid variant, new data revealed today, and the R rate has risen slightly in England this week.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said the PM will take "whatever action" is necessary either "regionally or nationally" to squash the spread of the variant.
From Monday, Brits will be able to meet inside – still following the rule of six or two household restriction.
Hotels and B&Bs will reopen on the same day, and Brits will finally be able to take overseas holidays.
Indoor entertainment and attractions are also set to open up – and groups can head to the pub and sit inside.
Indoor exercise classes won't also be allowed until May 17, and people are only allowed to work out on their own until then.
May 17 will also see a chance for Brits to finally be able to head to some entertainment venues with cinemas and museums allowed to open their doors.
Theatre and concert performances – along with sports events – will also start to allow 1,000 people, or 50 per cent of the venue's capacity – whichever is lower – to start again.
Pilot tests will also be run to figure out just how such large events will be able to take place, using tests and even Covid passports to let people back in.
Under the rule change in May, weddings, receptions, funerals, and commemorative events including wakes will be able to go ahead with 30 people.
HUGS RETURN
Brits have been starved of hugs for over a year, and will be allowed once more to embrace each other sensibly when the next stage of lockdown lifts.
At the moment, anyone who doesn't live together is advised to keep at least 1.5 metres away from others to stop the spread of the virus.
But, as first revealed by The Sun, people have now will be told they can finally hug their close friends and family again.
Social distancing will remain in place in the weeks to come.
Last week, Grant Shapps revealed the list of countries where Brits can go on holiday from May 17.
They include Israel, Singapore, Portugal, the Falkland Islands, Ascension, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Gibraltar, Faroe Islands, Iceland and Brunei.
And New Zealand and Australia are also on the list – but they have their own entry requirements and are unlikely to let in tourists at the moment.
France, Greece and Spain are not yet on the green list – meaning Brits will have to wait until at least June 7 to find if they can go on holiday there this summer.
Boris Johnson's four-step plan is expected to end when restrictions are completely lifted finally by June 21.
Under the first phase on March 8, schools reopened, and on March 29, the rule of six was reintroduced, allowing six people or fewer – or two households – to mix outdoors.
Shops, gyms, hairdressers and other non-essentials opened across the nation last month, with pubs, restaurants, cafes reopening and serving customers outside.
Punters queued up at midnight to get their first pints in, or get their hair snipped.
People do not have to buy a substantial meal when they grab a pint with the previous rule dropped.
Those keen for a weekend escape are also now allowed domestic overnight stays with their household.
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