The prime minister is set to hold a press conference this afternoon to lay out the next stage of the lifting of coronavirus lockdown measures.
Boris Johnson will confirm at 5pm that the third stage of unlocking in England can proceed one week from today, on May 17.
It comes as the Government revealed the latest data shows its four tests, or ‘conditions’, for easing the rules have been met.
People from different households will be allowed to mix indoors for the first time in months, as well as officially being permitted to hug one another.
The prime minister said yesterday: ‘The data reflects what we already knew – we are not going to let this virus beat us.
‘The road map remains on track, our successful vaccination programme continues – more than two-thirds of adults in the UK have now had the first vaccine – and we can now look forward to unlocking cautiously but irreversibly.
‘It’s because of the British public’s unwavering commitment that we are saving lives, protecting the NHS and controlling the virus.’
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove confirmed hugging would be allowed on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show yesterday: ‘As we move into stage three of our roadmap, it will be the case that we will see people capable of meeting indoors.
‘And without prejudice to a broader review of social distancing, it is also the case that friendly contact – intimate contact – between friends and family is something we want to see restored.’
When asked if that meant people could hug from May 17, he replied: ‘Yes.’
The rule of six will allow more than six people to meet inside if there are no more than two households mixing at once, and overnight stays will be allowed.
Hospitality venues, including pubs and restaurants, will also start allowing groups of up to six people share a table inside.
The limit on outdoor gatherings is expected to be increased from six to 30, and indoor exercise classes, museums, cinemas and indoor children’s play areas will also reopen.
Mr Johnson is also expected to announce funerals for up to 30 people can take place from next week – but the rules on weddings are not yet expected to change.
Couples will still only be allowed 30 guests at a wedding or indoor reception.
Holidays abroad will also be permitted to some destinations.
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