BORIS Johnson will hold a press conference today to mark coronavirus restrictions easing from his new £2.7million studio.
The PM will speak to the nation when his lockdown roadmap comes into play – giving millions of Brits extra freedoms on March 29.
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Two households will be able to meet outdoors for the first time in months, while the Rule of Six returns.
Brits will also be able to take part in outdoor sports with football pitches, tennis courts and golf courses all set to reopen.
Boris will be delivering the good news from the new briefing room at Downing Street, his spokesperson confirmed last week.
The Sun revealed last month that the PM spent £2.7million of taxpayers’ cash on the White House-style TV studio.
It comes as:
- Stay-at-home rule axed to allow groups of six, sports and weddings
- Everything you can and can’t do from today as Covid restrictions ease
- When will pubs and restaurants reopen in the UK?
- 30 MILLION Brits have now had Covid vaccine
The revamped briefing room is modelled on Washington’s West Wing.
A Number 10 spokesperson said: "Work on the briefing room in number nine Downing Street has now completed.
"So going forward, all future Coronavirus press conferences, will take place in No9 Downing Street.
"They will begin on Monday, when the Prime Minister does a press conference."
The stay at home message has been ditched in England – but people still face a fine if they try to leave the country.
They will begin on Monday, when the Prime Minister, does a press conference."
Millions of Brits were ordered to stay at home under the third national lockdown, working from their own house and unable to meet up with friends in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid.
Earlier this year, two women were fined £200 each for driving five miles to go for a walk in the park.
But the change now means that people will be told simply to "minimise travel".
That means people can visit family members a couple of hours drive away or visit a park in another part of the country and not be fined.
You could even go to the Lake District for a walk and not be fined from today.
PHASE ONE
Under the PM's four-step plan, restrictions will change on key dates over the coming months until lockdown is expected to be completely lifted finally by June 21.
From March 8, students headed back to school in England as part of the first phase.
From March 29, the Rule of Six will be re-introduced, allowing six people – or two households – to mix outdoors.
This means even small gatherings in private gardens will be permitted in a little over a month – just in time for Easter over the April 4 weekend.
But indoor facilities like gyms won't be open until at least April 12.
Lockdown FAQS
Can I have a garden party or BBQ for Easter?
Yes! You are allowed to meet up outside with five other people or one other household, from March 29.
You should still follow social distancing guidelines.
My household has five family members and wants to meet up with six relatives who all live together – will we be able to see each other?
Yes, you can.
This new restriction was introduced – telling Brits that it is OK for two households to meet up outside from March 29.
The roadmap states: "Applying either limit provides greater flexibility, recognising the different situations faced by families and individuals; two households will be more helpful for families, while the Rule of 6 is likely to help people in different households to reunite outdoors, including those living alone or in shared accommodation."
However, you should still follow the social distancing guidelines, with hugs not expected to be allowed until May.
I live alone and want to meet up with five other friends in the park – is this allowed?
Yes! Under the roadmap, the Rule of Six has been re-introduced. This means that a group of six or less are allowed to see each other from March 29.
Can I have a birthday party indoors with the windows open?
No, not yet. May 17 will mark the lifting of the many indoor restrictions that are currently in place.
That date will mark a change in rules with indoor mixing in people's homes, including overnight stays, to be allowed once again with Rule of Six and a limit of two households.
We are a family of four and want to meet both sets of grandparents outside at the same time – is this OK?
No. The rules state that only two households should mix outside.
Can I drive 50 miles to meet my sister for a coffee outside?
Yes, but be cautious. It will not be illegal to travel outside your local area from March 29 – meaning you won't be fined.
However, you should still socially distance and limit other contact where possible.
Can I travel to Australia to see my family?
No. The ban on non-essential travel will remain in place until at least May 17.
However, a review into how to restart travel safely will be released on April 12.
Do I need to wear masks and stick to social distancing when I have a picnic with friends?
You should try to socially distance as much as possible even as the restrictions are lifted from March 29.
The roadmap states: "Guidance will set out how people can see others safely: the evidence is clear that this is safest to do in the open air, at a safe distance, while minimising the frequency of social gatherings and the numbers present wherever possible."
April 12 will see the first major easing of restrictions with, non-essential shops and hairdressers to reopen and restrictions on people's travel will be further relaxed.
Hairdressers will also be open by April 12, along with zoos and theme parks.
Barbers and salons will open a week earlier in Scotland, on April 5, while they have already reopened in Wales.
And a few weeks later, on May 17, many indoor restrictions are expected ot be lifted.
Indoor mixing in people's homes, including overnight stays, will be allowed once again with Rule of Six and a limit of two households.
Hugging is also expected to be allowed by May with the majority of the most vulnerable to have received two doses of the vaccine by then.
Finally in June, all restrictions are expected to be lifted.
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