The eight key lockdown changes announced in Boris Johnson's speech
Mr Johnson thanked the public for their efforts in social distancing but said it would be "madness" to allow a second spike in the coronavirus pandemic by completely lifting the lockdown.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdInstead, he announced the government's new plan - but stressed the plan is "conditional" and would be led by science.
Here are the eight key points from his address:
A new Covid alert system
A new alert system is being established to monitor the threat posed by Covid-19.
The system, similar to that used to establish the terrorist threat, will be run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe UK is currently at level four of the five-tier system, just below the "most critical" threat - the kind that would have seen the NHS swamped by coronavirus cases.
Boris Johnson used his address to the nation to suggest the country was now edging towards level three.
The further down the Covid alert level ladder the country goes, the more lockdown measures could be eased.
Construction and manufacturing workers to go back to work
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPeople in the construction and manufacturing industry are being "actively encouraged" to go back to work.
This also extends to anyone who is not able to work from home.
Mr Johnson said: "We said that you should work from home if you can, and only go to work if you must.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work."
He added: "And to ensure you are safe at work we have been working to establish new guidance for employers to make workplaces COVID-secure."
Avoid public transport - use cars, walk or cycle
Mr Johnson urged people to avoid public transport when travelling to work.
Instead he said people should use cars, cycle or walk.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Prime Minister said: "And we want it to be safe for you to get to work.
"So you should avoid public transport if at all possible – because we must and will maintain social distancing, and capacity will therefore be limited.
"So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can’t work from home.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"And when you do go to work, if possible do so by car or even better by walking or bicycle.
"But just as with workplaces, public transport operators will also be following COVID-secure standards."
Unlimited outdoor exercise
Mr Johnson has lifted the 'one daily exercise per day' rule.
This will begin on Wednesday, May 13.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Johnson said: "From this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise.
"You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household."
Fines for lockdown flouters will be increased
In his speech, Mr Johnson said that people who disobey lockdown rules will face greater fines.
The increase in fines has not been announced yet.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Prime Minister said: "You must obey the rules on social distancing and to enforce those rules we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them."
Phased reopening of schools
Mr Johnson has announced the government's plan to reopen schools.
He said the aim is to open the schools for reception, year one and year six pupils.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe aim for secondary school pupils who have exams next year is to have "some time" with teachers before the holidays.
However this plan is conditional depending on the rate of new infections and the progress the country has made in regards to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Prime Minister said: "Every day, with ever increasing data, we will be monitoring the R and the number of new infections, and the progress we are making, and if we as a nation begin to fulfil the conditions I have set out, then in the next few weeks and months we may be able to go further.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"In step two – at the earliest by June 1 – after half term – we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6.
"Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays.
"And we will shortly be setting out detailed guidance on how to make it work in schools and shops and on transport."
Reopening of hospitality industry and public places
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Johnson announced plans to open up the hospitality industry by July.
However, this again is subject to the latest data on the coronavirus.
The Prime Minister said: ""Step three - at the earliest by July - and subject to all these conditions and further scientific advice; if and only if the numbers support it, we will hope to re-open at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places, provided they are safe and enforce social distancing."
Imposed quarantine on people flying into the country
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLastly, Mr Johnson announced plans to impose quarantine on people flying into the country.
He said: "To prevent re-infection from abroad, I am serving notice that it will soon be the time – with transmission significantly lower – to impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air.
"And it is because of your efforts to get the R down and the number of infections down here, that this measure will now be effective.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"And of course we will be monitoring our progress locally, regionally, and nationally and if there are outbreaks, if there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes."
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. These are challenging times but the team at the Yorkshire Evening Post need your support more than ever in the weeks ahead.
While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdInevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty. So the support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with the city you live in during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes- from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this and your continued support to the YEP will help to protect its viability in the days and weeks ahead.
For more details on our subscription offers please visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk/YEP, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004
Thank you
Laura Collins
Editor