British PM to plot path out of lockdown on Monday

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce plans on Monday to reopen England's schools and allow people to see family and friends, part of a phased exit from COVID19 lockdown that is aided by one of the world's fastest vaccine rollouts.

With more than 120,000 fatalities, Britain has suffered the world's fifth-highest official death toll from the pandemic and its $3 trillion economy its biggest crash in over 300 years. But a fast start to the vaccine rollout plus a tough near-twomonth national lockdown means Johnson can now set out a cautious easing of restrictions in England.

"Our decisions will be made on the latest data at every step, and we will be cautious about this approach so that we do not undo the progress we have achieved so far and the sacrifices each and every one of you has made," he said on Twitter.

"Our priority has always been getting children back into school which we know is crucial for their education and wellbeing. We'll also be prioritising ways for people to reunite with loved ones safely," he said, ahead of his full announcement in parliament due at 1530 GMT.

Lawmakers will have a chance later to vote on Johnson's plan. Authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are responsible for their own public health, will also ease restrictions over the coming months.

Overall coronavirus cases hovered around 11,000 a day last week, compared with a high of over 80,000 in late December. Nadhim Zahawi, the minister in charge of the vaccine rollout, said English schools would reopen on March 8. They have been open only to vulnerable pupils and to key workers' children since Jan. 5, with all others learning remotely from home.