Boris Johnson to hold press conference at 5pm

The PM is due to address the nation at 5pm this afternoon from the Government’s new £2.6 million press room to jog people's memories about what the new rules.

Boris Johnson is going to remind the public of the new Covid restrictions as lockdown measures begin to be gradually eased from today.

Boris Johnson Press Conference 5pm

The PM is due to address the nation at 5pm this afternoon from the Government’s new £2.6 million press room to jog people’s memories about what the new rules are and request that people stick to them despite the success of the vaccination rollout.

From today onwards, those in England will be allowed to meet up in groups of up to six or two households outdoors and outdoor sports facilities will return.

Boris Johnson emphasised: “We must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout. Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called.”

The ‘stay at home’ message has been axed and the slogan now is: “Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air.” Boris Johnson wants the easing to “kick-start a Great British summer of sport” as football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs all reopen.

Organised team sports also return outdoors without having to follow social distancing.

Boris Johnson is predicted to notify the public that there may be an increase in cases as measures are relaxed, as European experience a third wave of infections. The PM will advocate for people to take personal responsibility in sticking to the rules. However he said that he expects that the vaccine rollout will keep hospitalisations and deaths low, after 30 million Brits have now had their first Covid jab as of Saturday which represents more than 45% of the population.