The Key points from Boris Johnson’s statement on the coronavirus lockdown

The Prime Minister addressed the public on Sunday night almost seven weeks after the strict lockdown measures were imposed on March 23.

Unlimited time outdoors

Changes which will come into force from Wednesday include allowing people to spend “unlimited” time outdoors for leisure purposes, as long as they are socially distanced from others.

Sunbathing will be allowed again, and sports can be played, but only with members of your own household.

He also said that exercise could be taken further away from home using a car to head to a park or green space.

Mr Johnson said: “From this Wednesday we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise.”

He added: “You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household.”

Going back to work

Boris Johnson said that everyone who cannot work from home “should go to work” from Monday.

However, workers have been asked to avoid public transport if possible.

Mr Johnson said that from Monday, “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.

“So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can’t work from home.”

Pupils could go back in June

Primary schools could start to re-open by June 1 “at the earliest”, beginning with reception classes, Year 1 and Year 6, Mr Johnson said.

After the May half term, the Government believes the country may be in a position to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6.

Mr Johnson added: “Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays.”

Bars and restaurants could reopen in summer

Shops that are currently closed could open their doors around June 1, the same time as schools start to reopen.

Pubs, restaurants and similar businesses could begin to re-open by July at the earliest, “provided they are safe and enforce social distancing”.

The Prime Minister said this would only take place if the scientific advice supports it.

New ‘Covid Alert System’

A “Covid Alert System” will be introduced with five levels.

Level one means the disease is no longer present in the UK and level five is the most critical – and the UK is currently at level three, he said.

Increase in fines

Despite some measures being relaxed, Mr Johnson said that this wasn’t the end of the lockdown.

And for those who breach the rules by refusing to social distance, the penalties will be harsher.

Mr Johnson said: “You must obey the rules on social distancing and to enforce those rules we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them.”

At the moment, £60 fines are being given out by the police to rule-breakers.