BORIS Johnson has announced that an easing of Covid restrictions will go ahead as planned in England from next Monday, May 17.
It will mean friends and family can hug and mix indoors from next week including in pubs and restaurants, while cinemas, museums and theatres can reopen, and gyms can hold group classes.
The Prime Minister addressed the nation from Downing Street from 5pm.
He thanked the public for their efforts, giving the UK time to roll out the vaccine and “unquestionably saving many lives” - but said "we can't suddenly" throw caution to the winds.
Mr Johnson said that from next Monday the nation would move to the third stage of reopening, which includes indoor dining.
He said that the UK remains “on track” to fully reopen on June 21.
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