Differences between the four nations

WALES:

From today, there are three “modest” changes. They allow:

■■ people to exercise locally – without driving anywhere – more than once a day;

■■ garden centres to reopen if they are able to put two-metre social distancing rules in place; and,

■■ local authorities to consider how to safely reopen libraries and recycling centres.

People are urged to stay home and to follow social distancing rules if they do go outside.

The 120,000 people in Wales who are shielding should continue to do so.

SCOTLAND:

Like Wales the message is “Stay Home, Save Lives.”

From today Scots will be allowed to exercise as many times as they like each day, instead of the previous onceper-day restriction.

The Scottish First Minister added that the extension did not apply to those who have symptoms or are living with someone who is showing symptoms, or those who are in the shielding group.

Ms Sturgeon said it was to be used for exercise only and should not be used for “sunbathing, picnics or barbecues”.

NORTHERN IRELAND:

Again the message is “Stay Home, Save Lives.” First Minister Arlene Foster said any changes made to the region’s lockdown measures following Mr Johnson’s announcement will be nuanced. They are due to be announced this week.

ENGLAND:

The message now is “Stay Alert” but Boris Johnson has insisted the lockdown remains firmly in place. From today, the PM has given the go-ahead for businesses to look to reopen and workers to resume their roles.

He said last night: “Anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction and manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work. 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.”

But he insisted this was not the end of the strict measures that he imposed on March 23, saying it would be “madness now to throw away that achievement by allowing a second spike”.

From Wednesday people can take “unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise”.

He confirmed he would increase the fines for anyone who breaks social-distancing rules, and would set out “Covid-secure” guidance for employers.