The 50-page road map to slowly lifting the lockdown

Prime Minister’s address to the nation tonight will be followed with a detailed document tomorrow

THIS evening, Boris Johnson will set out his approach to gradually “unlocking” the economy following the nationwide restrictions imposed at the end of March.

The Government’s full road map, which will be published tomorrow, include the “baby” steps of encouraging some people to return to work within the coming days, in accordance with the existing rules, and proposals to open primary schools as early as June 1.

The Prime Minister is expected to say that the gradual easing of the lockdown will be reliant on the country staying “alert” and following social distancing rules to help keep the reproduction number of the Covid-19 virus below one – meaning that each infected patient transmits the virus to no more than one other person.

Here are the measures expected to be unveiled in the 50-page document which will be published on Monday:

Alert system

Mr Johnson is expected to announce that a five-tier alert system will inform the public of the extent to which the virus is under control, with each level corresponding to actions the Government will take to help reduce the spread of infections.

The country is currently operating at level four, or “red”, meaning that the reproduction rate of the virus has been above Mr Johnson’s target level of one in some areas of the country, but the NHS has significant capacity available in the event of an increase in infections.

The Prime Minister is expected to use his address to the nation to declare that the country is close to moving to level three, or “orange”, under the new system, meaning that the Government could soon introduce relaxations be

‘Lifts should only be used half-empty, hot-desking should be abolished and workers should not share equipment’

yond the more minor changes he will announce today.

Schools

Ministers are hoping to reopen primary schools as early as on June 1, as this newspaper revealed last week. However, the Government is facing resistance from unions who insist they will not consider a return until a “test and trace” scheme for Covid-19 is in place for schools.

The Government is planning to prioritise the reopening of primary schools, with Year 10 and Year 12 pupils due to form the first wave of teenagers returning to schools.

Work

Those who cannot work from home are expected to be encouraged to begin returning to offices and factories across the country, with clear social distancing and hygiene guidelines set out for firms to help staff feel safe. Draft “safer working” recommendations include installing Plexiglas screens between

desks in offices and requiring workers not to sit face-to-face, but back-to-back or side-to-side.

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is also likely to recommend that lifts should only be used half-empty, hot-desking should be abolished and workers should not share equipment, including pens and staplers.

Restaurants and shops

Bars, cafes and restaurants will remain closed but can provide takeaway and delivery services. Shops considered non-essential, including clothing retailers and hairdressers, will also remain shut. Ministers are beginning to encourage firms to offer such services, with George Eustice, the Environment and Secretary, stating on Friday that McDonald’s drive-throughs were “made for the social distancing situation we are in”.

Garden centres will be allowed to reopen from Wednesday if they comply with specific social distancing rules, including controlling the number of customers on their premises at any one time.

Ministers and officials have been warned that failing to allow nurseries to open imminently would result in the collapse of many such firms, given that the period from April to June is the industry’s peak period.

Contact with other households

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, has spoken of a possible scheme under which Scots could be allowed to see a “bubble” of friends and family.

In Westminster, discussions have centred on allowing households in England to join up with one other such group, but no such plans are expected to be announced this week, amid fears the risks would be too high.

Outdoor activities

The limit of one daily form of exercise outdoors is expected to be lifted, with people allowed to leave their homes more frequently if they adhere to social distancing rules.

Households are also expected to be told that they can have picnics in outdoor spaces as long as they keep at least two metres away from others.

The behavioural subgroup of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) warned ministers last month that “it may be difficult to justify easing restrictions solely for economic activities without any easing of restrictions for low risk activities with significant social and psychological benefit”.

Places of worship

Churches, mosques and other places of worship will be asked to remain closed for normal services. Ministers have discussed plans to allow them to reopen for private prayer.

Penalties

Fines for breaching the lockdown rules are likely to increase to £100 for a first offence and up to £3,200 for serial offenders. Ministers want police to be able to crack down on “the small minority who break the rules”.

Quarantine for travellers

Passengers arriving at British airports and ports will be placed in quarantine for up to a fortnight, in a scheme that mirrors the 14-day “stay home” notices currently issued to Singaporean citizens returning to their country from abroad.

The plan, which was first revealed by The Sunday Telegraph last month, is intended to help prevent cases from abroad pushing up the infection rate in the UK. It is likely to be rolled-out in early June.

All travellers, including those returning to Britain from abroad, will be asked to give details of the address at which they will self-isolate.

Those breaching the quarantine face fines of up to £1,000.

Officials are planning a worldwide communications campaign to warn passengers of the measures that they can expect if they come to the country.

Garden centres will be allowed to reopen from Wednesday if they comply with specific social distancing rules

Households are also expected to be told that they can have picnics in outdoor spaces as long as they keep at least two metres away from others