Coronavirus: PM To Give Further Details On Easing Lockdown Measures

The Prime Minister is to give further details on the easing of coronavirus lockdown measures amid widespread calls for clarity.

The Government is to publish its official guidance later, while Boris Johnson is also set to face MPs after he outlined plans to restart the economy and social lives in England.

He will give a statement to the Commons, with more information expected on a COVID-19 alert system, use of face coverings and the return of professional football.

In a broadcast from Downing Street on Sunday evening, the PM said a phased reopening of schools and non-essential shops in England could potentially begin from June 1 if transmission can be reduced.

He said people will be "actively encouraged" to go to work if they cannot work from home and granted "unlimited exercise" in England from Wednesday. 

The speech was criticised by some as being confusing, while leaders of all the devolved nations have rejected the new "stay alert" advice in favour of the "stay at home" message.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the announcement lacked “clarity and consensus”, while “effectively telling millions of people to go back to work tomorrow” without clear guidelines.

He said: “This statement raises as many questions as it answers, and we see the prospect of England, Scotland and Wales pulling in different directions.”

Mr Johnson said his address gave just "the shape of a plan", and the Government is to publish a 50-page document in Parliament on Monday to fill in the gaps.

The PM also said he would take questions from the public in some form.

Further details are expected on plans to impose a 14-day quarantine on people flying into the UK and the five-tier alert system designed to dictate what restrictions are in force.

Cover image: An empty Piccadilly Circus during lockdown (Picture: PA).