Prime Minister Boris Johnson has officially announced the government’s ‘roadmap’ to take the country out of lockdown in 2021.
The PM made the much-anticipated statement on February 22 – seven weeks after reintroducing national restrictions in England for a third time.
Johnson previously said his intention was to adopt a “cautious and prudent” approach for removing measures, claiming this exit strategy was designed in such a way as to be “irreversible”.
The roadmap will see the economy open over a number of weeks, lifting measures for separate sectors at four different stages.
June 21 is being touted as the date on which social contact limits will be completely lifted.
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Boris Johnson's roadmap:
March 8: Schools reopen
March 29: 2 households can meet outdoors Outdoor sport
Two people will also be able to meet outdoors socially from March 8.
Rules around social mixing will be relaxed further from March 29 – with two families or groups of up to six people permitted to gather outdoors.
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The ‘stay at home’ rule will also be removed from March 29.
Schools
School pupils in England will return from March 8.
Sports
Outdoor sports – such as golf and tennis – will return from March 29.
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Sports venues, such as football stadiums, will stay shut to spectators for the time being with games continuing to take place behind closed doors. There is a plan for fans to return from May.
Non-essential retail
Non-essential retail – including gyms and hairdressers – may resume trading from April 12.
Public buildings will also open from this date.
Pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels
Outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens will be allowed to reopen from April 12.
The preliminary date for the resumption of indoor service at pubs, bars and restaurants in England is May 17.
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Hotels will also be able to resume trading from this date.
Nightclubs are expected to open by June 21 – along with all remaining sectors.
Travel
Travel abroad could be allowed from May 17, dependent on the data.
BREAKING: The 4 steps to lifting lockdown in England.
There will be weeks between each step: 4 weeks to reflect on the data followed by 1 week notice to be given to relevant sectors and the public. pic.twitter.com/7RTql0pV7S
Johnson has repeatedly stated he would be guided by the data in lifting lockdown – which could result in swift alterations being made to the roadmap if coronavirus cases stop falling.
However, if the current plan succeeds, most social curbs in England will be lifted by the end of June.
More than 17 million have now received a coronavirus vaccination – with all adults expected to be offered a jab by July 31 at the current pace of the rollout.
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
The Manc -
22nd February 2021 
