Pupils across England will return to the classroom today (Monday) in the first stage of Boris Johnson’s road map out of lockdown.

The Prime Minister unveiled his four-stage plan to lead the country out of a third national lockdown last month.

The Mr Johnson outlined four tests which will determine the government’s decision making.

This assessment will be based on:

  • The vaccine deployment programme continuing successfully.
  • Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
  • Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
  • Assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of concern.

With the vaccination rollout in full flow and coronavirus cases dropping, there is hope lockdown will soon end, with a view to lift all restrictions and return to some sort of 'normality' by June 21.

There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the data to reflect changes in restrictions; followed by seven days’ notice of the restrictions to be eased.

Mr Johnson and his government ministers have made it clear that dates are subject to change, based on the data.

So, what are the four changes to lockdown rules being made in England today Monday?

Education

Isle of Wight County Press: Prime Minister Boris Johnson joins a Year 2 maths lesson during a visit to St Mary's CE Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent. (Christopher Furlong/PA)Prime Minister Boris Johnson joins a Year 2 maths lesson during a visit to St Mary's CE Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent. (Christopher Furlong/PA)

As part of the first step in Boris Johnson’s roadmap, all schools across the country will reopen their door to pupils after months of remote learning.

Childcare and children’s supervised activities will also resume along with practical course at universities in England.

Social mixing

Although the majority of social mixing rules will remain in place, the rules on social mixing will be eased slightly.

We will be able to meet up with one other person from outside our household.

The ‘Stay at Home’ message will remain, but we will be able to leave home for recreation outdoors, such as a coffee on a park bench, or a picnic with our household, support bubble, or with one person from outside our household.

Care homes

Care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor from March 8, provided they are tested and wear full PPE.

The next stage is due to come into force on March 29.