skynewspolitics--2020-05-10--Starmer: PM's lockdown plan raises 'more questions than answers'

Boris Johnson 's address to the nation raised `` more questions than answers '' , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has told Sky News .
Reacting to the prime minister 's speech , Sir Keir said : `` I think what the country wanted tonight was real clarity and a sense of consensus - and I 'm afraid we have n't got that . ''
Mr Johnson set out `` the first careful steps '' in easing the coronavirus lockdown - with people in England allowed to spend more leisure time outside from Wednesday .
And in a bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who can not work from home - such as those in construction and manufacturing - should be `` actively encouraged '' to go to work from Monday .
People are now being told to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' - staying home as much as possible , continuing to keep two metres apart when outside , and limiting contact with other people .
But Sir Keir said this new message `` just is n't clear enough '' .
He continued : `` There are more questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` We now have the prospect of England , Scotland and Wales with different messages and pulling in different directions .
`` That clarity is n't there , that consensus is n't there .
`` I appreciate there will be more detail tomorrow and there 'll be further questions to be asked .
`` But at the moment there 's a gap between what we really needed tonight and what we got . ''
The Labour leader said elements of the PM 's speech `` causes real concern '' - particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being told to return to work .
`` Millions of people are being told , particularly in construction and manufacturing , to effectively go back to work tomorrow , '' he said .
`` That 's in about 12 hours ' time but they 're being told at the same time to go back to work if possible not using public transport .
That 's a real logistical problem for tomorrow morning for millions of people . ''
While the government at Westminster has updated its messaging to the public as it begins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders of the devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have said they will be sticking with the original `` stay at home '' message .
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford told Sky News the PM had `` broken '' the four-nation consensus around the lockdown .
`` There 's a divergence in the messages that are being delivered and my party and my government in Edinburgh regret that , '' he said .
`` What we got tonight is confusion . ''
Mr Blackford said plans for a potential phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality industry from the start of next month `` fills me with horror '' .
`` Now is not the time for us to be putting in place a reversal of lockdown .
It 's far too early for that , '' he added .
`` There 's a very real concern that people will get the message from what the prime minister said tonight that it 's back to business as usual .
`` That poses real questions for the growth of this virus . ''
Sir Ed Davey , acting leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not see the rationale behind easing the lockdown `` at this critical stage '' .
`` It risks what people have fought so hard for , '' he said .
`` The prime minister has not provided the country with any evidence or justification for this change .
Instead , he risks creating more confusion than clarity by badly communicating his government 's plans . ''
Union leaders criticised the PM 's speech , accusing Mr Johnson of sending mixed messages which could have `` lethal '' consequences .
TUC general secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause working people a lot of confusion and anxiety '' .
She added : `` The government still has n't published guidance on how workers will be kept safe .
So how can the prime minister - with 12 hours ' notice - tell people they should be going back to sites and factories ?
Dave Prentis , general secretary of Unison said : `` The return to work must be safe .
There must be no cutting corners , no playing fast and loose with employees ' safety .
The economy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Len McCluskey , general secretary of Unite , said : `` There is now a real risk that in a few hours ' time , workers will be cramming onto public transport , putting at risk their lives and those of others .
`` This has not been thought through and the failure to do so places working people in danger . ''
The Rail , Maritime and Transport union ( RMT ) has advised its members not to work if they felt unsafe .
It added that the government 's change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers on the railways and Tubes from Monday , breaching social distancing measures with `` potentially lethal consequences '' for staff and the public .
Teaching unions , meanwhile , have expressed concerns about a phased reopening of schools potentially starting within weeks .
Dr Mary Bousted , joint general secretary of the NEU , called it `` reckless '' , adding : `` Coronavirus continues to ravage communities in the UK and the rate of COVID-19 infection is still far too great for the wider opening of our schools . ''
Geoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of School and College Leaders , said `` social distancing is extremely difficult '' to maintain with children in reception and year one .
The NAHT union , which represents leaders in the majority of schools , said the plan was likely to lead to questions from `` anxious parents '' .
A policing group has also raised concerns in the wake of the PM 's speech .
The Police Federation of England and Wales said the relaxed lockdown guidance still risks being a set of `` loose rules that are left open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement .
National chair John Apter said : `` What we need from the prime minister and the government now is clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance , explaining what exactly is expected of the public , so that my colleagues can do their level best to police it . ''

Boris Johnson's address to the nation raised "more questions than answers", Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has told Sky News.
Reacting to the prime minister's speech, Sir Keir said: "I think what the country wanted tonight was real clarity and a sense of consensus - and I'm afraid we haven't got that."
Mr Johnson set out "the first careful steps" in easing the coronavirus lockdown - with people in England allowed to spend more leisure time outside from Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Coronavirus: PM announces new lockdown rules
And in a bid to kickstart the economy, the PM said anyone who cannot work from home - such as those in construction and manufacturing - should be "actively encouraged" to go to work from Monday.
People are now being told to "stay alert, control the virus, save lives" - staying home as much as possible, continuing to keep two metres apart when outside, and limiting contact with other people.
But Sir Keir said this new message "just isn't clear enough".
He continued: "There are more questions than answers in the prime minister's statement.
"We now have the prospect of England, Scotland and Wales with different messages and pulling in different directions.
"That clarity isn't there, that consensus isn't there.
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"I appreciate there will be more detail tomorrow and there'll be further questions to be asked.
"But at the moment there's a gap between what we really needed tonight and what we got."
The Labour leader said elements of the PM's speech "causes real concern" - particularly people who cannot work from home being told to return to work.
"Millions of people are being told, particularly in construction and manufacturing, to effectively go back to work tomorrow," he said.
"That's in about 12 hours' time but they're being told at the same time to go back to work if possible not using public transport. That's a real logistical problem for tomorrow morning for millions of people."
While the government at Westminster has updated its messaging to the public as it begins easing the lockdown in England, the leaders of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have said they will be sticking with the original "stay at home" message.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford told Sky News the PM had "broken" the four-nation consensus around the lockdown.
"There's a divergence in the messages that are being delivered and my party and my government in Edinburgh regret that," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:43 'The PM has broken the four nation consensus'
"What we got tonight is confusion."
Mr Blackford said plans for a potential phase reopening of schools, shops and the hospitality industry from the start of next month "fills me with horror".
"Now is not the time for us to be putting in place a reversal of lockdown. It's far too early for that," he added.
"There's a very real concern that people will get the message from what the prime minister said tonight that it's back to business as usual.
"That poses real questions for the growth of this virus."
Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, said he did not see the rationale behind easing the lockdown "at this critical stage".
"It risks what people have fought so hard for," he said.
"The prime minister has not provided the country with any evidence or justification for this change. Instead, he risks creating more confusion than clarity by badly communicating his government's plans."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Businesses and schools wary of lockdown plan
Union leaders criticised the PM's speech, accusing Mr Johnson of sending mixed messages which could have "lethal" consequences.
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said the speech "will cause working people a lot of confusion and anxiety".
She added: "The government still hasn't published guidance on how workers will be kept safe. So how can the prime minister - with 12 hours' notice - tell people they should be going back to sites and factories?
"It's a recipe for chaos."
Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison said: "The return to work must be safe. There must be no cutting corners, no playing fast and loose with employees' safety. The economy is important, but lives are too."
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has advised its members not to work if they felt unsafe.
It added that the government's change in messaging would unleash a surge in passengers on the railways and Tube carriages from Monday, breaching social distancing measures with "potentially lethal consequences" for staff and the public.
Teaching unions, meanwhile, have expressed concerns about a phased reopening of schools potentially starting within weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:31 Questions raised over lockdown plan
Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU, called it "reckless", adding: "Coronavirus continues to ravage communities in the UK and the rate of COVID-19 infection is still far too great for the wider opening of our schools."
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said "social distancing is extremely difficult" to maintain with children in reception and year one.
The NAHT union, which represents leaders in the majority of schools, said the plan was likely to lead to questions from "anxious parents".
A policing group has also raised concerns in the wake of the PM's speech.
The Police Federation of England and Wales said the relaxed lockdown guidance still risks being a set of "loose rules that are left open to interpretation" and is difficult to implement.
National chair John Apter said: "What we need from the prime minister and the government now is clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance, explaining what exactly is expected of the public, so that my colleagues can do their level best to police it."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-10--A lot of the PM's speech seemed to change at the last minute

Boris Johnson 's sombre tone reflects the fearful , uncertain mood of the nation .
To that extent , his speech will likely be judged a success .
As ever , Number 10 is acutely aware of the latest polling and public sentiment .
But despite the top billing and days of hype , this address does the absolute minimum it could .
And it does n't really begin to answer any of the difficult questions facing the country , though he creates a fair few new ones for himself .
Indeed it is so minimal on current and future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether , even just a few days ago , the speech was meant to be a bigger deal than tonight it has become .
It does not even mention garden centres , which government sources on Friday said would reopen on Wednesday .
Also it does seem to have been the subject of last-minute revisions : cabinet papers on additional detailed changes put on ice in the last 48 hours .
And Tory MPs who were furious with the headline change - to ditch the `` stay at home '' slogan and replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were told the address was a `` work in progress '' even today .
Things changing , it seems , at the last minute .
Parts were recorded yesterday , parts today .
The biggest message from the prime minister is that those who can not work from home should go out to work .
Hearing this from Mr Johnson may have a big effect on manufacturing and construction .
Yet this is not even a change of policy - that has been the consistent position from the beginning , with ministers making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start that builders should go to work .
That tells us that Number 10 views slogans like `` stay at home '' as more important than policy or law , meaning tonight 's minimalist speech could have a more significant impact than they intend .
The combination change to allow more exercise a day and to sunbathing is more significant than it seems or that he spells out .
This is intended to signal that people who want to sit next to one friend on a park bench , albeit at a two-metre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why Mr Johnson could n't spell this out more clearly is n't obvious .
The rest of the speech is less plan , more a series of aspirations : perhaps primary schools reopening in June , perhaps public spaces in July .
But no specificity over what or under which circumstances , and all heavily caveated that this could be abandoned if the infection spreads more rapidly .
The schools point is significant though : that aspiration puts Mr Johnson once again at odds with the leaders of the devolved nations , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no chance Welsh schools would reopen then .
Small but significant differences over the lockdown legal framework is one thing ; an English/Welsh difference over schools is quite another .
English teachers would then rightly be able to ask whether they are being put at more risk than their Welsh counterparts .
Mr Johnson 's speech also avoids any answer to tough choices he needs to make : Will employers be liable if people get coronavirus in the workplace ?
Will people who ca n't work for a year because of social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like current levels ?
But he ca n't escape such difficult questions .
On Monday , Mr Johnson will face MPs including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons , the public that night and his own MPs on Tuesday night .
It wo n't be easy to dodge them .

Boris Johnson's sombre tone reflects the fearful, uncertain mood of the nation.
To that extent, his speech will likely be judged a success.
As ever, Number 10 is acutely aware of the latest polling and public sentiment.
But despite the top billing and days of hype, this address does the absolute minimum it could.
And it doesn't really begin to answer any of the difficult questions facing the country, though he creates a fair few new ones for himself.
Indeed it is so minimal on current and future changes that it prompts the question of whether, even just a few days ago, the speech was meant to be a bigger deal than tonight it has become.
It does not even mention garden centres, which government sources on Friday said would reopen on Wednesday.
Also it does seem to have been the subject of last-minute revisions: cabinet papers on additional detailed changes put on ice in the last 48 hours.
Image: The 'stay at home' slogan has been replaced with 'stay alert'
And Tory MPs who were furious with the headline change - to ditch the "stay at home" slogan and replace it with "stay alert" - were told the address was a "work in progress" even today.
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Things changing, it seems, at the last minute. Parts were recorded yesterday, parts today.
The biggest message from the prime minister is that those who cannot work from home should go out to work.
Image: People will be allowed to do more exercise
Hearing this from Mr Johnson may have a big effect on manufacturing and construction.
Yet this is not even a change of policy - that has been the consistent position from the beginning, with ministers making it clear from the Commons at the start that builders should go to work.
That tells us that Number 10 views slogans like "stay at home" as more important than policy or law, meaning tonight's minimalist speech could have a more significant impact than they intend.
The combination change to allow more exercise a day and to sunbathing is more significant than it seems or that he spells out.
This is intended to signal that people who want to sit next to one friend on a park bench, albeit at a two-metre distance, will be able to. Why Mr Johnson couldn't spell this out more clearly isn't obvious.
Image: PM has suggested some schools could reopen in June
The rest of the speech is less plan, more a series of aspirations: perhaps primary schools reopening in June, perhaps public spaces in July.
But no specificity over what or under which circumstances, and all heavily caveated that this could be abandoned if the infection spreads more rapidly.
The schools point is significant though: that aspiration puts Mr Johnson once again at odds with the leaders of the devolved nations, especially in Wales which said on Thursday there was no chance Welsh schools would reopen then.
Small but significant differences over the lockdown legal framework is one thing; an English/Welsh difference over schools is quite another.
English teachers would then rightly be able to ask whether they are being put at more risk than their Welsh counterparts.
Mr Johnson's speech also avoids any answer to tough choices he needs to make:
Will employers be liable if people get coronavirus in the workplace? Will people who can't work for a year because of social distancing be supported by government to anything like current levels?
But he can't escape such difficult questions.
On Monday, Mr Johnson will face MPs including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons, the public that night and his own MPs on Tuesday night.
It won't be easy to dodge them.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-10--What are you allowed to do now, and can you see your friends?

Boris Johnson has altered the government 's advice ahead of the UK entering its eighth week of lockdown .
The slogan of `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' has been changed to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' .
The prime minister set out a `` conditional plan '' for easing the coronavirus lockdown in England , which sets out three phases .
But the loosening of restrictions will be based on scientific advice , such as keeping the ' R number ' below 1 .
What changes this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't work from home should now travel to their workplace - but avoid public transport if possible .
Those who can still work from home should continue .
• Exercise : `` Unlimited amounts '' are permitted - not just once a day .
• Possible to meet a friend : Sitting in the park , including sunbathing , is permitted .
A government minister said those activities could be done with one person from another household if the two-metre rule is adhered to .
• Driving to places such as parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity - but the travel can only be within England and with members of the same household .
• Playing outdoor sport is permitted with members of the same household .
• Fines for breaking lockdown rules increase from £60 to £100 .
• Schools : Some classes could resume , starting with with primary reception pupils , Year 1 and Year 6 .
The prime minister said the earliest return would be 1 June - but teaching unions have expressed serious doubts .
• Secondary pupils with exams next year will hopefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , the PM said .
• Shops : A `` phased reopening '' could begin .
Mr Johnson said 1 June would be the earliest possible date and promised more detail to come .
• Restaurants and hotels : July is the earliest point at which `` some of the hospitality industry and other public places '' could re-open , the PM said .
But only if `` they are safe and enforce social distancing '' .
What about the rest of the UK ?
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson 's announcement only applies to England .
Wales announced a slight easing on Friday so that people can exercise more than once a day .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It also said garden centres could reopen and local authorities will start planning how to safely open libraries and recycling centres .
The cap on exercise was also scrapped by Scotland 's first minister , Nicola Sturgeon , on Sunday .
However , she warned that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at parks or beaches , to sunbathe or have picnics and barbecues .
Northern Ireland 's road map will be announced this week and only minor changes are expected .

All four UK nations are continuing to loosen their lockdown measures to allow people more freedom.
However, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do differ slightly from each other as they make their own decisions on health - and nobody can yet move across borders.
Each government's measures need to be reviewed every three weeks by law and are each based on scientific advice, such as keeping the 'R number' below one.
Sky News is keeping track of the rules for all four nations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 COVID-19: PM unveils new 'Stay Alert' slogan
ENGLAND
Boris Johnson's "conditional plan" for easing the coronavirus lockdown in England previously set out three phases.
The slogan of "stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" was changed to "stay alert, control the virus, save lives".
On 28 May, Mr Johnson gave his latest update on what restrictions will be lifted from 1 June, and added that further restrictions could be eased later in the month, such as more retail being allowed to open, as long as the R rate stays below one.
From 1 June:
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People can gather in groups of up to six people in public or private outdoor spaces, as long as social distancing is practised. They can play sports with the people that they meet, but only if it is possible to keep a two-metre space between them, such as tennis or football.
in public or private outdoor spaces, as long as social distancing is practised. They can play sports with the people that they meet, but only if it is possible to keep a two-metre space between them, such as tennis or football. Reception, year one, year six and nursery age children are allowed to go back to school - despite teaching unions expressing serious doubts
More than two million vulnerable people "shielding" from the virus are allowed to meet loved ones
People can visit outdoor retail spaces - such as outdoor markets and car showrooms where social distancing can be observed
People could already:
Travel to work if you cannot work from home, while avoiding public transport if possible. People using buses or trains are advised to wear a face covering
Spend time outdoors - picnicking or sunbathing, for example
Travel to an outdoor open space irrespective of distance, but not with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling
Take day trips to an outdoor open space in a private vehicle
Meet one other person from a different household outdoors, while following social distancing guidelines
Exercise outdoors as often as you would like - again keeping at least two metres apart
Use a tennis or a basketball court, or a golf course with members of your household, or one other person
Go to a garden centre
Students can return home if it is a permanent move
Go to property viewings in person and visit agents for both sales and rentals
Nannies and childminders can come to your house to look after your children, provided good public health measures are adhered to
Image: Advice on the two-metre rule when out and about remains the same
You still cannot do the following:
Exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
Use an outdoor gym or playground
Visit a private or ticketed attraction
Leave your home to stay at another home
Share a private vehicle with someone from another household
Leave your home to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose - including visiting second homes
Invite anyone other than close family or friends, and someone from the deceased's household, to a funeral
Fines
Fines for breaking lockdown rules increased from £60 to £100. Repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3,200
Image: Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will be the first to go back to school
Later in June
Secondary pupils with exams next year will hopefully get some time with teachers before the summer, the PM said
More non-essential retail can open their doors, including fashion and tech shops (15 June)
Adults living alone, including single parents with children under 18, will be able to form a "support bubble" with one other household, meaning they can meet inside and stay overnight (13 June)
July
Restaurants and hotels: July is the earliest point at which "some of the hospitality industry and other public places" could reopen, the PM said, but only if "they are safe and enforce social distancing"
Hairdressers: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News that salons and barbers will not reopen until 4 July "at the very earliest"
Advice for over 70s:
Those over 70 should continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.
If they do go out, they should be careful to maintain distance from others and should comply with social distancing rules.
Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June.
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SCOTLAND
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that Scotland's lockdown would be relaxed in a four-phase "route map".
Since 29 May, the new rules are:
Up to eight people from two households may gather outdoors, as long as people are social distancing
People are able to sit and sunbathe outdoors
Visits inside another household are not allowed
Non-contact sports like golf, fishing, bowls, outdoor swimming, canoeing and tennis are allowed
People are able to travel - preferably walk or cycle - to carry out activities, but they should try to stay close to home
Recycling and waste services resume
Outdoor industries like agriculture and construction resume
Garden centres are allowed to open - but none of their cafes
Some services like social work resume
Some parts of the criminal justice system resume
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 'Don't be distracted' by England COVID measures
As part of its four-phase "route map", lockdown measures to be relaxed in the future in Scotland include:
Phase one but not now:
Teachers to return to work in June to prepare for schools reopening in new school year in August
Support for children going into primary one or moving from primary to secondary school
More children, not just of key workers, to have access to critical childcare, particularly outdoor nurseries
Housing market to reopen
Gradual reopening of takeaway and drive-thru food outlets
Phase two:
Meet outside with larger groups of friends and family, with social distancing
Meet people from another household indoors with social distancing
Increased public transport capacity with peak time travel discouraged
University lab research to restart
Indoor non-office-based workplaces, such as factories and labs, can resume once guidance is agreed
People can move house
Small shops, outdoor markets, pubs and restaurants with outdoor space, and places of worships can open - with marriages and civil partnerships allowed with limited attendees
Scotland's sports minister has said professional football, rugby and horse racing will return behind closed doors during phase two of the easing of lockdown restrictions, however a date has not been set
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 Sturgeon outlines Scotland lockdown easing
Phase three:
Closer to normal with different households meeting - although with social distancing
Schools to reopen on 11 August but with a "blended model" of school and home learning
Childcare providers, larger shops, indoor pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, museums, cinemas, gyms and hotels can reopen
Live events with restricted numbers and funerals beyond close family
Dentists to fully reopen
Phase four:
Relaxation of all restrictions "in line with public health advice"
WALES
The Welsh government has announced a three-week cycle of further changes from 22 June.
Mark Drakeford, the first minister, has also told the tourism sector it can prepare to reopen, and take bookings for stays beginning on the 13 July.
From 22 June:
All non-essential retail can open within social distancing guidelines
Private prayer can take place in places of worship
Childcare facilities can begin to reopen
House viewings can take place and postponed property sales can be completed
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Wales first to ease some lockdown measures
From 29 June:
Some school pupils will be able to return to school to catch up on work and prepare for September
From 6 July:
People will be able to travel freely throughout Wales for any reason
Existing measures:
People from two different households in the same local area can meet up outdoors, but they must continue to maintain social distancing and strict hand hygiene
They must also stay local, meaning they mustn't - as a general rule - travel more than five miles from home
Exceptions will be people travelling to work, to seek care or shopping for essentials if they aren't available locally
Vulnerable people who have been "shielding" from the virus have been advised they can exercise at times that are not too busy
People could carry out unlimited exercise outdoors but must "stay local", starting and ending at home and only with people from their household - with a quick break to eat something
Garden centres can reopen
Recycling centres and libraries can open
NORTHERN IRELAND:
The Northern Ireland Executive has a five-stage "pathway to recovery" plan for easing the lockdown and some rules will be relaxed on 8 June.
What you can do now:
Groups of up to six people who do not share a household are allowed to meet outdoors two metres apart
Garden and recycling centres have reopened
Places of worship are open for private prayer, while drive-in church services and cinemas are allowed
Non-contact outdoor activities are allowed, including fishing, golf, tennis and some water sports
No restrictions on private travel, as long as it is in Northern Ireland
Use face coverings if you cannot social distance
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:00 Life in lockdown in Northern Ireland
Step two:
Groups of 10 people will be allowed to meet outdoors
Some non-contact team sports and indoor activities will be allowed
Non-food retail outlets and some libraries will be allowed to open
Step three:
Phased return to office working but those who can should work from home
Gatherings of up to 30 people - with social distancing
Part-time schooling for priority groups, with in-school and remote learning
Museums, galleries, libraries to reopen
Concert and theatre rehearsals to resume
Image: An empty Belfast during the lockdown
Step four:
All "contact" retail such as hairdressers, gyms and salons can open after a risk assessment
All school pupils go back on a part-time basis, with in-school and remote learning
Staggering demand for public transport
Wider range of gatherings allowed, including church services - subject to social distancing
Competitive sport to resume behind closed doors, or with spectator limits
Leisure centres to open
Outdoor concerts allowed on a restricted basis
Step five:
Early-year schooling goes to full-time
Restaurants, pubs and cafes can open after a risk assessment, initially on a limited basis
Close physical contact sport allowed and return to full spectator competitive sport and live events
People can meet in large groups subject to social distancing
Next week from Monday to Thursday, Dermot Murnaghan will be hosting After The Pandemic: Our New World - a series of special live programmes about what our world will be like once the pandemic is over.
We'll be joined by some of the biggest names from the worlds of culture, politics, economics, science and technology. And you can take part too.
If you'd like to be in our virtual audience - from your own home - and put questions to the experts, email afterthepandemic@sky.uk


skynewspolitics--2020-05-11--No haircuts, pubs or restaurants until July 'at the earliest'

Britons wo n't be able to get a haircut , visit a pub or dine in a restaurant until 4 July at the `` very earliest '' , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has told Sky News .
Under the government 's three-phase plan for easing the coronavirus lockdown , those who ca n't work from home will be encouraged to return to work from Wednesday .
Mr Raab said this `` modest '' change to the lockdown would include builders and those who work in manufacturing .
A full list of who is being asked to go back to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the government will also publish a 50-page document on its strategy .
In the second phase of the government 's plan , which would begin on 1 June at the earliest , some shops might be able to reopen .
However , Mr Raab confirmed hairdressers , pubs and restaurants would have to wait until phase three , from 4 July at the `` very earliest '' , to be reconsidered for reopening .
`` From 4 July , at the earliest , we 'll look at other sectors and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also include personal care and people like hairdressers , '' the foreign secretary told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show .
`` Obviously the proximity in those two sectors ... is something where we do n't think we 're ready yet , given where we are with the virus . ''
Towards the end of this month , the government is looking to enforce a 14-day quarantine period on those entering the UK .
When it was suggested this had scuppered the summer holiday plans of many Britons who were looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I 'm really sorry for that and we do understand the sacrifices everyone 's having to make . ''
The foreign secretary also confirmed the government is aiming to `` get all primary school children back into school within a month of the end of the summer term '' .
However , this would not begin until 1 June at the earliest .
Ministers are also aiming for those pupils who will sit GCSEs or A-Levels next year to have `` some access to their teachers '' before the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From Wednesday , lockdown rules will be relaxed to allow unlimited outdoor exercise and people to play sport - such as golf , basketball , tennis , fishing - as long as it is with others from their household .
Mr Raab also revealed the government is looking at plans to allow `` limited contact '' between families .
`` We 've asked the scientists to look at whether there could be some limited contact between , say , two different households within the same family , for example , we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what that would do to the transmission rate , '' he said .
`` Until we 've got that advice back , we 're not in a position to say 'yes you can positively do that ' , but it is something we want to look at . ''
This is likely to apply to meeting in a local park , rather than in each other 's gardens , Sky News understands .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work this week , the government is urging them to avoid public transport , if possible , and instead use a car , cycle or even walk to their workplace .
Mr Raab said `` clear guidance '' on public transport would be published on Tuesday , which is likely to include advice on wearing face coverings .
`` There 's limited evidence on their value , but one thing they can do - in settings where you ca n't be guaranteed to be socially distanced - they can stop you passing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` That 's something , in relation to public transport , that we 'll give advice on shortly , about how that can be done . ''
The foreign secretary said the forthcoming advice would refer to `` the kind of face covering you could prepare or make at home '' , such as scarves , and would be `` distinct '' from face masks worn in hospitals and care homes .
After Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out some of the lockdown changes in a televised address on Sunday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas-Symonds called on the government to now provide `` desperately needed '' clarity on what was changing .
`` What we did n't get last night was clarity and we did n't get , I 'm afraid , consensus , both of which we desperately need , '' he told Sky News .

Britons won't be able to get a haircut, visit a pub or dine in a restaurant until 4 July at the "very earliest", Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has told Sky News.
Under the government's three-phase plan for easing the coronavirus lockdown, those who can't work from home will be encouraged to return to work from Wednesday.
Mr Raab said this "modest" change to the lockdown would include builders and those who work in manufacturing.
Image: Pubs will remain shut until 4 July at the earliest
A full list of who is being asked to go back to work this week will be published later today, when the government will also publish a 50-page document on its strategy.
In the second phase of the government's plan, which would begin on 1 June at the earliest, some shops might be able to reopen.
However, Mr Raab confirmed hairdressers, pubs and restaurants would have to wait until phase three, from 4 July at the "very earliest", to be reconsidered for reopening.
"From 4 July, at the earliest, we'll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers," the foreign secretary told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show.
"Obviously the proximity in those two sectors... is something where we don't think we're ready yet, given where we are with the virus."
Towards the end of this month, the government is looking to enforce a 14-day quarantine period on those entering the UK.
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When it was suggested this had scuppered the summer holiday plans of many Britons who were looking to travel abroad, Mr Raab replied: "I'm really sorry for that and we do understand the sacrifices everyone's having to make."
The foreign secretary also confirmed the government is aiming to "get all primary school children back into school within a month of the end of the summer term".
However, this would not begin until 1 June at the earliest.
Ministers are also aiming for those pupils who will sit GCSEs or A-Levels next year to have "some access to their teachers" before the end of the summer term, Mr Raab added.
From Wednesday, lockdown rules will be relaxed to allow unlimited outdoor exercise and people to play sport - such as golf, basketball, tennis, fishing - as long as it is with others from their household.
Mr Raab also revealed the government is looking at plans to allow "limited contact" between families.
"We've asked the scientists to look at whether there could be some limited contact between, say, two different households within the same family, for example, we've asked them to give us some advice on what that would do to the transmission rate," he said.
"Until we've got that advice back, we're not in a position to say 'yes you can positively do that', but it is something we want to look at."
This is likely to apply to meeting in a local park, rather than in each other's gardens, Sky News understands.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
With some Britons being encouraged to return to work this week, the government is urging them to avoid public transport, if possible, and instead use a car, cycle or even walk to their workplace.
Mr Raab said "clear guidance" on public transport would be published on Tuesday, which is likely to include advice on wearing face coverings.
"There's limited evidence on their value, but one thing they can do - in settings where you can't be guaranteed to be socially distanced - they can stop you passing it on to other people," he added.
"That's something, in relation to public transport, that we'll give advice on shortly, about how that can be done."
The foreign secretary said the forthcoming advice would refer to "the kind of face covering you could prepare or make at home", such as scarves, and would be "distinct" from face masks worn in hospitals and care homes.
After Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out some of the lockdown changes in a televised address on Sunday night, Labour's shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds called on the government to now provide "desperately needed" clarity on what was changing.
"What we didn't get last night was clarity and we didn't get, I'm afraid, consensus, both of which we desperately need," he told Sky News.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-10--PM to give more detail on 'unclear' and 'confused' lockdown easing plan

Boris Johnson is to give more detail on his plan to ease the coronavirus lockdown amid criticism that his TV address was confusing .
A 50-page document will be published in parliament later to add detail to the prime minister 's `` first sketch '' on how the restrictions in England could be eased over the next three months .
Sunday 's announcement included measures taking effect this week , such as removing the limit on exercise and allowing people to sunbathe in parks , as well as a potential return for some schoolchildren in June .
Mr Johnson also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not work from home should now be `` actively encouraged '' to go to work .
The PM stressed his plan was conditional on meeting five government tests to ensure the virus is under control and said it would be `` madness '' to risk a second spike in cases .
But political opponents , businesses and unions have urged more clarity .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Johnson 's statement raised `` more questions than answers '' .
`` I think what the country wanted tonight was real clarity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm afraid we have n't got that , '' said Sir Keir .
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford told Sky News it had caused `` confusion '' and `` broken '' the lockdown consensus in the four UK nations .
The leaders of the devolved administrations have already said they will not use this updated message - telling people to simply `` stay at home '' instead .
The prime minister 's suggestion that pupils in reception , year 1 and year 6 may be able to return `` at the earliest by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The teachers ' National Education Union called it `` nothing short of reckless '' and said a snap poll had shown 85 % of its 49,000 members disagreed with the idea .
It is also `` imperative '' that businesses get detailed advice on how to keep people safe and the use of PPE if more employees are to return to work , said the British Chambers of Commerce .
During Sunday 's address , the prime minister also said : • A `` phased reopening '' of shops may be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality industry and other public places could begin to reopen in July at the earliest • `` It will soon be the time '' to impose quarantine on people coming into the UK by air • A five-level Covid Alert System will judge how strict lockdown measures and social distancing rules should be locally • People can drive to another destination for exercise , and play sport with people from the same household • The UK 's COVID-19 reproduction rate , also known as R , is between 0.5 and 0.9 , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The government 's key message is now : `` Stay alert , control the virus and save lives '' Mr Johnson said that from Wednesday : `` You can sit in the sun in your local park , you can drive to other destinations , you can even play sports but only with members of your own household . ''
However , he warned fines would increase for the `` small minority '' who break the social distancing rules , rising from £60 to £100 .
The changes also allow people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when out in parks , said a government official .
It gives people the chance to see friends for the first time in almost eight weeks - but the two-metre rule must still be adhered to .
Tennis courts and golf clubs will also be allowed to reopen this week , although - again - people will only be able to play with members of their household .
Mr Johnson said that the impact of the changes would be `` closely monitored '' , adding : `` If there are outbreaks , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hesitate to put on the brakes . ''
He said : `` Throughout this period of the next two months we will be driven not by mere hope or economic necessity .
`` We are going to be driven by the science , the data and public health . ''
Although Britons can return to their workplaces if necessary , the prime minister said safety should be a priority when they are commuting .
`` You should avoid public transport if at all possible , because we must and will maintain social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
`` So work from home if you can , but you should go to work if you ca n't work from home . ''
New guidance is also being offered to employers so workplaces can become `` COVID secure '' .
Mr Johnson also thanked the public `` for the effort and personal sacrifice they have made to reduce the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS '' .
He reiterated that keeping the infection rate down and beginning a return to a semblance of normality depended on @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson is to give more detail on his plan to ease the coronavirus lockdown amid criticism that his TV address was confusing.
A 50-page document will be published in parliament later to add detail to the prime minister's "first sketch" on how the restrictions in England could be eased over the next three months.
Sunday's announcement included measures taking effect this week, such as removing the limit on exercise and allowing people to sunbathe in parks, as well as a potential return for some schoolchildren in June.
Mr Johnson also told the nation that anyone who cannot work from home should now be "actively encouraged" to go to work.
The PM stressed his plan was conditional on meeting five government tests to ensure the virus is under control and said it would be "madness" to risk a second spike in cases.
But political opponents, businesses and unions have urged more clarity.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Johnson's statement raised "more questions than answers".
"I think what the country wanted tonight was real clarity and a sense of consensus - and I'm afraid we haven't got that," said Sir Keir.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford told Sky News it had caused "confusion" and "broken" the lockdown consensus in the four UK nations.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:39 'The stay alert message isn't clear enough' - Sir Keir Starmer
The leaders of the devolved administrations have already said they will not use this updated message - telling people to simply "stay at home" instead.
The prime minister's suggestion that pupils in reception, year 1 and year 6 may be able to return "at the earliest by 1 June" was also criticised.
The teachers' National Education Union called it "nothing short of reckless" and said a snap poll had shown 85% of its 49,000 members disagreed with the idea.
It is also "imperative" that businesses get detailed advice on how to keep people safe and the use of PPE if more employees are to return to work, said the British Chambers of Commerce.
Image: The two-metre rule will still govern people's life outside the home
During Sunday's address, the prime minister also said:
A "phased reopening" of shops may be able to start in June
Some of the hospitality industry and other public places could begin to reopen in July at the earliest
"It will soon be the time" to impose quarantine on people coming into the UK by air
A five-level Covid Alert System will judge how strict lockdown measures and social distancing rules should be locally
People can drive to another destination for exercise, and play sport with people from the same household
The UK's COVID-19 reproduction rate, also known as R, is between 0.5 and 0.9, "but potentially only just below one"
The government's key message is now: "Stay alert, control the virus and save lives"
Mr Johnson said that from Wednesday: "You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household."
However, he warned fines would increase for the "small minority" who break the social distancing rules, rising from £60 to £100.
The changes also allow people to meet one person not in their household when out in parks, said a government official.
It gives people the chance to see friends for the first time in almost eight weeks - but the two-metre rule must still be adhered to.
Tennis courts and golf clubs will also be allowed to reopen this week, although - again - people will only be able to play with members of their household.
Mr Johnson said that the impact of the changes would be "closely monitored", adding: "If there are outbreaks, if there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:50 'We must continue to control the virus'
He said: "Throughout this period of the next two months we will be driven not by mere hope or economic necessity.
"We are going to be driven by the science, the data and public health."
Although Britons can return to their workplaces if necessary, the prime minister said safety should be a priority when they are commuting.
"You should avoid public transport if at all possible, because we must and will maintain social distancing, and capacity will therefore be limited," he added.
"So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can't work from home."
New guidance is also being offered to employers so workplaces can become "COVID secure".
Image: The new coronavirus slogans unveiled by Boris Johnson
Mr Johnson also thanked the public "for the effort and personal sacrifice they have made to reduce the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS".
He reiterated that keeping the infection rate down and beginning a return to a semblance of normality depended on a unified effort.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-11--Johnson's statement marked a shift in messaging rather than actual policy

We 've been a long time in lockdown .
We went into it together as a country and for the past few weeks the instructions have been very black and white : `` Stay home , protect the NHS , save lives . ''
But the next few weeks are going to be rather grey .
The prime minister knows there is not one simple route out of lockdown ; different groups of people , workers , regions , nations might take different paths .
The prime minister does at least have a clear guiding principle against which to sketch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Keep the reproduction rate of the disease below 1 , and the rate of transmission is diminishing .
This will be the benchmark by which all the decisions will be made .
He was clear on Sunday evening that any significant easing of the lockdown must wait , the R rate is still running at 0.5-0.9 and there is still an `` awful epidemic '' of COVID-19 in care homes .
The number of daily cases is also too high to ease the lockdown in any meaningful way .
One senior government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases is running at about 16,000 a day , well above the 4,000 new cases a day the government would want to see before it could lift the lockdown without risking a spike in the epidemic .
Based on the current estimates , the cases should be coming down to the 4,000 mark in around three weeks , which is why the prime minister has set June as the possible starting date of phase two of easing the lockdown .
There are so many shades of grey in the government 's plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a virus that they do not truly understand and public behaviour which they can not fully predict .
Boris Johnson 's statement marked a shift in messaging rather than actual policy .
This is a government that having ordered us into lockdown is now beginning to give us all a little bit more space to read between the lines about how we might choose to live with COVID-19 .
The actual changes were pretty modest .
From Wednesday , people will be able to go out as much as they want .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to the beach , sit in the park and sunbathe with one other person - two metres apart - or play golf , tennis or go for a swim in the sea .
And he has also asked those who are unable to work from home - those in construction or manufacturing - to actively try to go back to work .
In the round , these tweaks give far more scope for people to start working again and socialising again - albeit in limited ways .
Tennis teachers can start up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Friends can meet in the park and children can perhaps have a ( socially distanced ) kick about with a friend .
Different people will take different decisions based on their own appetite for risk , but as we move along this curve , different things will be asked of different groups of people too .
In June , non-essential shop workers could be back at work , while hairdressers , gym instructors and bar staff will have to wait .
Some children will be back to school , starting with primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year six , while others will not .
There will be divisions across the nations and divisions across different age groups .
There will perhaps be different lockdown measures put in place across towns or regions as the government tries to manage outbreaks .
All of it is conditional on the R rate and on the level of new cases .
And there are so many practical questions about lifting this lockdown .
The first ministers of Scotland and Wales raised an obvious one this weekend .
Nicola Sturgeon does n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message and will certainly not be sending Scottish kids back to school from 1 June .
Senior ministers are exasperated at what they see as Ms Sturgeon 's attempt to raise her profile to that of the prime minister 's and re-cast Mr Johnson as the ruler of England rather than the entire Union .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ms Sturgeon for her part says she 's acting in the interests of the Scottish people and will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As for the wider public , there is perhaps a sense of anxiety and nervousness that different bits of the country are at odds with each other .
It creates a sense of confusion and lack of clear direction and purpose .
There are also obvious concerns from the trade unions and the Labour party about the `` back to work '' messaging when proper safety guidelines have n't been agreed .
Trade unions were brought into discussions only a week ago and are yet to agree new guidelines with the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work with 12 hours ' notice and no official guidance is , in the words of shadow business secretary Ed Miliband , `` irresponsible and wrong '' .
And as for our personal relationships , the new guidelines suggest that we can meet one person outside our household in the park or go for a walk as long as you socially distance .
But that will of course raise obvious questions - can you meet two people , can you sit in each other 's gardens , can you sit in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're two metres apart ?
And what about the over-70s ?
The PM offered no details about their roadmap out of lockdown .
These are all the shades of grey .
Going into lockdown was a very hard decision to make , but once it was done , the rules were clear .
The route out is anything but , which is perhaps why Mr Johnson 's statement raised as many questions as it answered .
As we move out of lockdown , we 'll probably be guided as much by our own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nanny state .
All of us will have to find a new normal and it is going to take some time to get there .

Going into lockdown was a very hard decision to make, but once it was done, the rules were clear. The route out is anything but.
We've been a long time in lockdown. We went into it together as a country and for the past few weeks the instructions have been very black and white: "Stay home, protect the NHS, save lives."
But the next few weeks are going to be rather grey. The prime minister knows there is not one simple route out of lockdown; different groups of people, workers, regions, nations might take different paths.
The prime minister does at least have a clear guiding principle against which to sketch out this roadmap - the R rate.
Keep the reproduction rate of the disease below 1, and the rate of transmission is diminishing. This will be the benchmark by which all the decisions will be made.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:07 Prime minister's lockdown statement in full
He was clear on Sunday evening that any significant easing of the lockdown must wait, the R rate is still running at 0.5-0.9 and there is still an "awful epidemic" of COVID-19 in care homes.
The number of daily cases is also too high to ease the lockdown in any meaningful way.
One senior government figure told me that the number of new cases is running at about 16,000 a day, well above the 4,000 new cases a day the government would want to see before it could lift the lockdown without risking a spike in the epidemic.
Based on the current estimates, the cases should be coming down to the 4,000 mark in around three weeks, which is why the prime minister has set June as the possible starting date of phase two of easing the lockdown.
There are so many shades of grey in the government's plan because decisions ministers will take are conditional on a virus that they do not truly understand and public behaviour which they cannot fully predict.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 What do the new lockdown rules mean?
Boris Johnson's statement marked a shift in messaging rather than actual policy.
This is a government that having ordered us into lockdown is now beginning to give us all a little bit more space to read between the lines about how we might choose to live with COVID-19.
The actual changes were pretty modest.
From Wednesday, people will be able to go out as much as they want. They will be able to exercise, go to the beach, sit in the park and sunbathe with one other person - two metres apart - or play golf, tennis or go for a swim in the sea.
And he has also asked those who are unable to work from home - those in construction or manufacturing - to actively try to go back to work.
In the round, these tweaks give far more scope for people to start working again and socialising again - albeit in limited ways.
Tennis teachers can start up lessons again and golf clubs can reopen. Friends can meet in the park and children can perhaps have a (socially distanced) kick about with a friend.
Different people will take different decisions based on their own appetite for risk, but as we move along this curve, different things will be asked of different groups of people too.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:39 Nations divided over lockdown easing
In June, non-essential shop workers could be back at work, while hairdressers, gym instructors and bar staff will have to wait. Some children will be back to school, starting with primary children in reception, year one and year six, while others will not.
There will be divisions across the nations and divisions across different age groups. There will perhaps be different lockdown measures put in place across towns or regions as the government tries to manage outbreaks.
All of it is conditional on the R rate and on the level of new cases.
And there are so many practical questions about lifting this lockdown. The first ministers of Scotland and Wales raised an obvious one this weekend.
Nicola Sturgeon doesn't want to change the "stay at home" message and will certainly not be sending Scottish kids back to school from 1 June.
Senior ministers are exasperated at what they see as Ms Sturgeon's attempt to raise her profile to that of the prime minister's and re-cast Mr Johnson as the ruler of England rather than the entire Union.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ms Sturgeon for her part says she's acting in the interests of the Scottish people and will not be driven by a timetable set in Westminster.
As for the wider public, there is perhaps a sense of anxiety and nervousness that different bits of the country are at odds with each other. It creates a sense of confusion and lack of clear direction and purpose.
There are also obvious concerns from the trade unions and the Labour party about the "back to work" messaging when proper safety guidelines haven't been agreed.
Trade unions were brought into discussions only a week ago and are yet to agree new guidelines with the government.
Blue collar workers being bounced back to work with 12 hours' notice and no official guidance is, in the words of shadow business secretary Ed Miliband, "irresponsible and wrong".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:31 Questions raised over lockdown plan
And as for our personal relationships, the new guidelines suggest that we can meet one person outside our household in the park or go for a walk as long as you socially distance.
But that will of course raise obvious questions - can you meet two people, can you sit in each other's gardens, can you sit in your own house with a friend if you're two metres apart?
And what about the over-70s? The PM offered no details about their roadmap out of lockdown.
These are all the shades of grey. Going into lockdown was a very hard decision to make, but once it was done, the rules were clear.
The route out is anything but, which is perhaps why Mr Johnson's statement raised as many questions as it answered.
As we move out of lockdown, we'll probably be guided as much by our own appetite for risk as we are by a nanny state.
All of us will have to find a new normal and it is going to take some time to get there.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-10--Can you see your friends? What are you allowed to do now? Here's a breakdown

Boris Johnson has altered the government 's advice ahead of the UK entering its eighth week of lockdown .
The slogan of `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' has been changed to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' .
The prime minister set out a `` conditional plan '' for easing the coronavirus lockdown in England , which sets out three phases .
But the loosening of restrictions will be based on scientific advice , such as keeping the ' R number ' below 1 .
What changes this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't work from home should now travel to their workplace - but avoid public transport if possible .
Those who can still work from home should continue.Exercise : `` Unlimited amounts '' are permitted - not just once a day .
• Possible to meet with a friend : Sitting in the park , including sunbathing and perhaps a kickabout , is permitted .
A government minister said those activities could be done with one person from another household if the two-metre rule is adhered to .
• Driving to places such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for outdoor activity - but the travel can only be within England and with members of the same household .
• Playing outdoor sport is permitted with members of the same household .
Tennis courts and golf clubs can reopen , so long as social distancing measures are enforced .
Other permitted activities include water sports and angling .
• Fines for breaking lockdown rules increase from £60 to £100 .
Repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3,200 • Schools : Some classes could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils , Year 1 and Year 6 .
The prime minister said the earliest return would be 1 June - but teaching unions have expressed serious doubts .
• Secondary pupils with exams next year will hopefully get some time with teachers before the summer , the PM said .
• Shops : A `` phased reopening '' could begin .
Mr Johnson said 1 June would be the earliest possible date and promised more detail to come .
• Restaurants and hotels : July is the earliest point at which `` some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places '' could re-open , the PM said .
But only if `` they are safe and enforce social distancing '' .
What about the rest of the UK ?
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland make their own decisions on health , so Mr Johnson 's announcement only applies to England .
Wales announced a slight easing on Friday so that people can exercise more than once a day .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It also said garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start planning how to safely open libraries and recycling centres .
The cap on exercise was also scrapped by Scotland 's first minister , Nicola Sturgeon , on Sunday .
However , she warned that it was not an excuse to meet in groups at parks or beaches , to sunbathe or have picnics and barbecues .
Northern Ireland 's roadmap will be announced this week and only minor changes are expected .


skynewspolitics--2020-05-11--PM admits new lockdown message is 'more complicated' after criticism

Boris Johnson has admitted the new `` stay alert '' coronavirus message is `` more complicated '' , after his plan to ease lockdown was criticised for being confusing .
The prime minister was criticised by a member of the public selected to quiz him at the Downing Street COVID-19 briefing and by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer .
Pooja from Solihull told Mr Johnson via video his announcement on Sunday was `` so vague '' on which people should start going to work again .
`` Yesterday you left the nation with more questions than answers , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you were very specific about what needed to shut down and when .
`` Why have you been so vague with who can start back at work and which businesses can reopen this week ?
When will the British public receive further clarity on this ? ''
The prime minister admitted the original `` stay at home '' guidance `` could n't be starker '' and meant `` everyone got the clarity '' of the emergency rules rolled out seven weeks ago to combat the virus that has killed more than 32,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defended the change of message , saying `` when you come to take small steps back to normality , as we are now , clearly the message becomes finer , more complicated '' .
He explained the new coronavirus rules are that anyone who can not work from home - such as builders or manufacturers - should go into work if it safe for them to get there and do so .
`` Things are pretty much as they have been and they will be '' until the R number - the average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - is pushed further down , the prime minister added .
Mr Johnson also said it is `` by no means guaranteed '' a vaccine will be found to help quickly eradicate the virus .
He said : `` If you ask me am I absolutely certain that we wo n't be living with this for a long time , I ca n't say that . ''
Earlier , Labour 's Sir Keir said in his own address to the nation that `` if we 're to complete the journey safely a road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So many of us have questions that need answering , '' he said , asking how employees can be sure it is safe to go to work or get there or what they should do while their children can not go to school .
`` For as long as this crisis persists I 'll keep demanding answers to these questions because that 's how we get better decisions and better outcomes , '' he vowed .
And Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she only discovered the `` stay home '' message was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed it is still in place in Scotland and warned : `` There will of course be risks whenever we start to ease the lockdown .
But my judgement right now is that the risk is still too great ... '' If we ease up too soon , the virus could run out of control again . ''

Boris Johnson has admitted the new "stay alert" coronavirus message is "more complicated", after his plan to ease lockdown was criticised for being confusing.
The prime minister was criticised by a member of the public selected to quiz him at the Downing Street COVID-19 briefing and by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Pooja from Solihull told Mr Johnson via video his announcement on Sunday was "so vague" on which people should start going to work again.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:48 What lockdown changes has the government introduced?
"Yesterday you left the nation with more questions than answers," she said.
"When lockdown initially started you were very specific about what needed to shut down and when.
"Why have you been so vague with who can start back at work and which businesses can reopen this week? When will the British public receive further clarity on this?"
The prime minister admitted the original "stay at home" guidance "couldn't be starker" and meant "everyone got the clarity" of the emergency rules rolled out seven weeks ago to combat the virus that has killed more than 32,000 people in the UK.
But Mr Johnson defended the change of message, saying "when you come to take small steps back to normality, as we are now, clearly the message becomes finer, more complicated".
He explained the new coronavirus rules are that anyone who cannot work from home - such as builders or manufacturers - should go into work if it safe for them to get there and do so.
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"Things are pretty much as they have been and they will be" until the R number - the average amount of people someone with COVID-19 infects - is pushed further down, the prime minister added.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 PM likens local COVID response to 'whack-a-mole'
Mr Johnson also said it is "by no means guaranteed" a vaccine will be found to help quickly eradicate the virus.
He said: "If you ask me am I absolutely certain that we won't be living with this for a long time, I can't say that."
Earlier, Labour's Sir Keir said in his own address to the nation that "if we're to complete the journey safely a road map needs clear directions".
"So many of us have questions that need answering," he said, asking how employees can be sure it is safe to go to work or get there or what they should do while their children cannot go to school.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:21 Starmer: 'We can't go back to business as usual'
"For as long as this crisis persists I'll keep demanding answers to these questions because that's how we get better decisions and better outcomes," he vowed.
And Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she only discovered the "stay home" message was being changed in the newspapers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 'Risk is still too great' to ease lockdown
She confirmed it is still in place in Scotland and warned: "There will of course be risks whenever we start to ease the lockdown. But my judgement right now is that the risk is still too great...
"I won't risk unnecessary deaths by acting rashly or prematurely.
"If we ease up too soon, the virus could run out of control again."


skynewspolitics--2020-05-11--Public advised to wear face coverings in PM's 50-page plan for lifting lockdown

People should aim to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible , including on public transport and in shops , the government has said .
In a new 50-page blueprint for lifting the lockdown in England , Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants all primary school children to have at least a month 's teaching before the summer holidays and some hairdressers and beauty salons back in business at some point in late summer .
The document , called `` Our Plan to Rebuild : The UK Government 's COVID-19 recovery strategy '' , sets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week with further lockdown loosening at the start of June and further changes potentially from 4 July .
• From this week those with jobs in food production , construction , manufacturing , logistics , distribution and scientific research in laboratories should return to the workplace • The government wants children of key workers and those who are vulnerable to go back to school at once • Guidance is being amended to clarify that paid childcare , for example nannies and childminders , can restart work • The government is now advising that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet , for example on public transport or in some shops .
Homemade cloth face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances • People may exercise outside as many times each day as they wish .
For example , this would include angling and tennis .
You will still not be able to use areas like playgrounds , outdoor gyms or ticketed outdoor leisure venues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contact and touching surfaces • Mr Johnson tells MPs that `` parliament must set a national example '' by moving in step with public health guidance and holding more meetings in the chamber • When travelling to outdoor spaces , the document says it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration • From next month , the government is looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place behind closed-doors for broadcast , while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact • The government has delayed the introduction of household `` bubbles '' to connect people .
It says : `` Over the coming weeks , the government will engage on the nature and timing of the measures in this step , in order to consider the widest possible array of views on how best to balance the health , economic and social effects . ''
• In the third and final phase , which could begin on 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some hairdressers and beauty salons , churches and some cinemas The new guidelines mean people will now be able to drive to outdoor open spaces `` irrespective of distance '' in England from this week .
The government also opens the door to limited social gatherings with one other person outside from this week , providing they are socially distanced , according to the document .
Devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland have advised the `` stay home '' message remains and introduced much more limited changes to the lockdown .
The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the PM 's speech to the nation on Sunday was confusing , with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer saying Mr Johnson 's statement raised `` more questions than answers '' .
The 50-page plan says the government `` is updating the rules so that , as well as exercise , people can now also spend time outdoors subject to : not meeting up with any more than one person from outside your household '' .
However , meetings with more than one person are forbidden .
The document warns : `` Much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
So the government 's plan considers carefully when and where to take risk .
A 'zero-risk ' approach will not work in these unprecedented times . ''
Writing the foreword , Mr Johnson says : `` It is not a quick return to 'normality . '
Nor does it lay out an easy answer .
And , inevitably , parts of this plan will adapt as we learn more about the virus .
But it is a plan that should give the people of the United Kingdom hope .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution lies with a vaccine or drug-based treatment . ''
The prime minister warns that the restrictions could yet last a long time .
Mr Johnson says : `` But while we hope for a breakthrough , hope is not a plan .
A mass vaccine or treatment may be more than a year away .
Indeed , in a worst-case scenario , we may never find a vaccine .
So our plan must countenance a situation where we are in this , together , for the long haul , even while doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Downing Street also makes clear it believes its room for manoeuvre is limited , saying : `` The government can not yet be confident that major adjustments now will not risk a second peak of infections that might overwhelm the NHS .
Therefore , the government is only in a position to cautiously lift elements of the existing measures . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The public is being told that the government will gradually `` replace the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concentrating on measures that have the largest effect on controlling the epidemic but the lowest health , economic and social costs .
`` These will be developed and announced in periodic 'steps ' over the coming weeks and months , seeking to maximise the pace at which restrictions are lifted , but with strict conditions to move from each step to the next , '' according to the document .
The document also reveals the fear in government that winter flu poses a unique threat this year when combined with coronavirus .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have symptoms that resemble COVID-19 , leading to increasing the demand for hospital beds and impeding efforts to trace the virus .

People should aim to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible, including on public transport and in shops, the government has said.
In a new 50-page blueprint for lifting the lockdown in England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants all primary school children to have at least a month's teaching before the summer holidays and some hairdressers and beauty salons back in business at some point in late summer.
The document, called "Our Plan to Rebuild: The UK Government's COVID-19 recovery strategy", sets out the three-phase approach, starting this week with further lockdown loosening at the start of June and further changes potentially from 4 July.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 'Go to work if you can't work from home'
It says:
From this week those with jobs in food production, construction, manufacturing, logistics, distribution and scientific research in laboratories should return to the workplace
The government wants children of key workers and those who are vulnerable to go back to school at once
Guidance is being amended to clarify that paid childcare, for example nannies and childminders, can restart work
The government is now advising that people should aim to wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet, for example on public transport or in some shops. Homemade cloth face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances
People may exercise outside as many times each day as they wish. For example, this would include angling and tennis. You will still not be able to use areas like playgrounds, outdoor gyms or ticketed outdoor leisure venues, where there is a higher risk of close contact and touching surfaces
Mr Johnson tells MPs that "parliament must set a national example" by moving in step with public health guidance and holding more meetings in the chamber
When travelling to outdoor spaces, the document says it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration
From next month, the government is looking at permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed-doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact
The government has delayed the introduction of household "bubbles" to connect people. It says: "Over the coming weeks, the government will engage on the nature and timing of the measures in this step, in order to consider the widest possible array of views on how best to balance the health, economic and social effects."
In the third and final phase, which could begin on 4 July, the government wants to open some hairdressers and beauty salons, churches and some cinemas
The new guidelines mean people will now be able to drive to outdoor open spaces "irrespective of distance" in England from this week.
The government also opens the door to limited social gatherings with one other person outside from this week, providing they are socially distanced, according to the document.
Image: Traffic on the A1203 in London the morning after the PM's address to the nation
Devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland have advised the "stay home" message remains and introduced much more limited changes to the lockdown.
The government's document has been published after criticism that the PM's speech to the nation on Sunday was confusing, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer saying Mr Johnson's statement raised "more questions than answers".
The 50-page plan says the government "is updating the rules so that, as well as exercise, people can now also spend time outdoors subject to: not meeting up with any more than one person from outside your household".
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However, meetings with more than one person are forbidden.
The document warns: "Much of what is desirable is not yet possible. So the government's plan considers carefully when and where to take risk. A 'zero-risk' approach will not work in these unprecedented times."
Writing the foreword, Mr Johnson says: "It is not a quick return to 'normality.' Nor does it lay out an easy answer. And, inevitably, parts of this plan will adapt as we learn more about the virus. But it is a plan that should give the people of the United Kingdom hope.
"It is clear that the only feasible long-term solution lies with a vaccine or drug-based treatment."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:01 No pubs or hair cuts until 4 July at the earliest, says Raab
The prime minister warns that the restrictions could yet last a long time.
Mr Johnson says: "But while we hope for a breakthrough, hope is not a plan. A mass vaccine or treatment may be more than a year away. Indeed, in a worst-case scenario, we may never find a vaccine. So our plan must countenance a situation where we are in this, together, for the long haul, even while doing all we can to avoid that outcome."
Downing Street also makes clear it believes its room for manoeuvre is limited, saying: "The government cannot yet be confident that major adjustments now will not risk a second peak of infections that might overwhelm the NHS. Therefore, the government is only in a position to cautiously lift elements of the existing measures."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The public is being told that the government will gradually "replace the existing social restrictions with smarter measures" concentrating on measures that have the largest effect on controlling the epidemic but the lowest health, economic and social costs.
"These will be developed and announced in periodic 'steps' over the coming weeks and months, seeking to maximise the pace at which restrictions are lifted, but with strict conditions to move from each step to the next," according to the document.
The document also reveals the fear in government that winter flu poses a unique threat this year when combined with coronavirus.
It says people without COVID-19 are likely to have symptoms that resemble COVID-19, leading to increasing the demand for hospital beds and impeding efforts to trace the virus.


skynewspolitics--2020-05-11--Tory MP criticised for saying Welsh Parliament should be abolished for undermining PM

A Tory MP has come under fire for demanding the Welsh Parliament be abolished for `` undermining '' Boris Johnson 's coronavirus response .
Daniel Kawczynski said it was an `` unnecessary '' body that was `` picking apart our UK '' and devolution needs a `` rethink '' .
The administrations in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland have all stuck to the existing COVID-19 response , urging people to `` stay at home '' and refusing to ease lockdown measures as more than 32,000 people have died .
But Mr Johnson has tweaked the guidance in England and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home - such as builders or manufacturers - they should go to work if it is safe to do so .
All leaders have said they want a four nations-led approach to avoid confusion and different laws coming into force within the UK , but Mr Johnson has pressed ahead with laying the groundwork for some children to go back to school and shops to re-open from June .
After the announcement , Mr Kawczynski said he was `` worried '' about the Welsh Parliament 's effect on the `` cohesion of Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time of crisis will I hope start a debate in Wales longer term as to whether or not to continue with this expensive and unnecessary body , '' he tweeted .
`` The pandemic has really exposed how far devolution has gone towards picking apart our UK - it 's time for a rethink . ''
The Welsh Parliament was initially created after the 1997 referendum that saw 50.3 % of residents back the idea .
In another referendum held 14 years later , residents voted by 63.5 % to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including education , health and welfare .
Mr Kawczynski 's suggestion of abolishing it was slapped down by Welsh Conservatives leader Paul Davies , who confirmed : `` This is not our party 's policy . ''
Vice-chair of the party Darren Miller added the comments `` are not consistent with our party policy at either a Welsh or UK level '' .
Former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said the Shrewsbury MP 's outburst was because `` because the Welsh government has stopped him going to his nearest beach '' .

A Tory MP has come under fire for demanding the Welsh Parliament be abolished for "undermining" Boris Johnson's coronavirus response.
Daniel Kawczynski said it was an "unnecessary" body that was "picking apart our UK" and devolution needs a "rethink".
The administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all stuck to the existing COVID-19 response, urging people to "stay at home" and refusing to ease lockdown measures as more than 32,000 people have died.
Image: Mr Kawczynski accused assembly members of 'undermining' the PM
But Mr Johnson has tweaked the guidance in England and told those who cannot work from home - such as builders or manufacturers - they should go to work if it is safe to do so.
All leaders have said they want a four nations-led approach to avoid confusion and different laws coming into force within the UK, but Mr Johnson has pressed ahead with laying the groundwork for some children to go back to school and shops to re-open from June.
Image: Some measures could be loosened earlier in England
After the announcement, Mr Kawczynski said he was "worried" about the Welsh Parliament's effect on the "cohesion of Britain".
"Their undermining of PM at a time of crisis will I hope start a debate in Wales longer term as to whether or not to continue with this expensive and unnecessary body," he tweeted.
"The pandemic has really exposed how far devolution has gone towards picking apart our UK - it's time for a rethink."
The Welsh Parliament was initially created after the 1997 referendum that saw 50.3% of residents back the idea.
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In another referendum held 14 years later, residents voted by 63.5% to give the body law-making powers on some areas including education, health and welfare.
Mr Kawczynski's suggestion of abolishing it was slapped down by Welsh Conservatives leader Paul Davies, who confirmed: "This is not our party's policy."
Vice-chair of the party Darren Miller added the comments "are not consistent with our party policy at either a Welsh or UK level".
Former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said the Shrewsbury MP's outburst was because "because the Welsh government has stopped him going to his nearest beach".


skynewspolitics--2020-05-10--Lockdown: What you can now do from Wednesday - and what you still cannot

Boris Johnson has altered the government 's advice as the UK enters its eighth week of lockdown .
The slogan of `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' has been changed to `` stay alert , control the virus , save lives '' .
The prime minister 's `` conditional plan '' for easing the coronavirus lockdown in England sets out three phases .
The loosening of restrictions will be based on scientific advice , such as keeping the ' R number ' below 1 .
Boris Johnson 's address to the nation raised `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Sir Keir Starmer has told Sky News .
From Wednesday , you can now do the following : • Travel to work if you can not work from home , while avoiding public transport if possible .
People using buses or trains are advised to wear a face covering • Spend time outdoors - picnicking or sunbathing , for example • Travel to an outdoor open space irrespective of distance , but not with someone from outside your household unless you can practise social distancing - for example by cycling • Take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a private vehicle • Meet one other person from a different household outdoors , while following social distancing guidelines • Exercise outdoors as often as you would like - again keeping at least two metres apart • Use a tennis or a basketball court , or a golf course with members of your household , or one other person • Students can return home if it is a permanent move You still can not do the following : • Visit friends and family in their homes • Exercise in an indoor sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or go swimming in a public pool • Use an outdoor gym or playground • Gather in a group of more than two ( excluding members of your own household ) , except for a few specific exceptions set out in law ( for work , funerals , house moves , supporting the vulnerable , in emergencies and to fulfil legal obligations ) • Leave your home to stay at another home • Share a private vehicle with someone from another household • Leave your home to stay at another home for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second homes • Invite anyone other than close family or friends , and someone from the deceased 's household , to a funeral • Fines for breaking lockdown rules increase from £60 to £100 .
Repeat offenders will see the fine double for each subsequent breach to a maximum of £3,200 • Schools : Some classes could resume , starting with primary reception pupils , Year 1 and Year 6 .
The prime minister said the earliest return would be 1 June - but teaching unions have expressed serious doubts .
• Secondary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get some time with teachers before the summer , the PM said .
• Shops : A `` phased reopening '' could begin .
Mr Johnson said 1 June would be the earliest possible date and promised more detail to come .
• The government says it is its `` intention '' to enable `` small wedding ceremonies '' from 1 June • Restaurants and hotels : July is the earliest point at which `` some of the hospitality industry and other public places '' could re-open , the PM said .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforce social distancing '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker What about the rest of the UK ?
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland make their own decisions on health , so Mr Johnson 's announcement only applies to England .
Wales announced a slight easing on Friday so that people can exercise more than once a day .
It also said garden centres could reopen and local authorities will start planning how to safely open libraries and recycling centres .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Scotland 's first minister , Nicola Sturgeon , on Sunday .
However , she warned that it was not an excuse to meet in groups at parks or beaches , to sunbathe or have picnics and barbecues .
Northern Ireland 's roadmap will be announced this week and only minor changes are expected .