This is when shops, hairdressers and pubs can reopen in England - according to lockdown roadmap

Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out his “cautious but also irreversible” roadmap to relax lockdown restrictions in England on Monday (22 February), announcing a four-step plan.

The gradual easing of rules will be done in stages, with all restrictions on social contact, businesses and events to be lifted by 21 June.

Progressing along the ‘roadmap’ will depend on four key tests, including the success of the vaccine rollout, evidence of vaccine efficacy, an assessment of new variants, and keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

Mr Johnson acknowledged that scientific modelling suggests that lifting the current rules will increase Covid-19 cases and ultimately deaths, but insisted that restrictions can not continue indefinitely.

The first step of easing restrictions will see all pupils in England return to school from 8 march, with wider use of face masks and testing in secondary schools.

Socialising in parks and public spaces with one other person will also be permitted from this date, increasing to larger groups of up to six people, or two households, on 29 March, allowing people to gather in parks and gardens.