Prime Minister Boris Johnson has unveiled the "cautious measures" the government will take to ease emergency restrictions implemented as part of the national lockdown, easing the order to stay at government house and allowing certain people to return to work.
"Starting this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to do more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise," said Johnson in his address to the nation on Sunday.
"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," continued the Prime Minister, warning that those who do not not comply with directives on social distancing will face an increased fine.
In his recorded speech from Downing Street, the Prime Minister also confirmed that all those who cannot work from home - like those in construction and manufacturing - will be "actively encouraged" to return to work from Monday.
"Work at home if you can, but you should go to work if you can't work at home and if you go to work, if possible, do it by car or, better still, on foot or by bicycle," said Johnson. . "We want it to be safe for you to get to work, so you should avoid public transport if possible, as we have and will maintain social distance, and capacity will therefore be limited."
While the order to stay at home has been relaxed, Johnson said there will be "no immediate end" to the national lockout.
"Now is not the time to just end the lockout this week ... we are taking the first prudent steps to change our measures," said Johnson.
"It would be crazy now to spoil this achievement by allowing a second peak ... we must remain vigilant. We must continue to control the virus and save lives, "he added.
According to the Prime Minister, all changes to government restrictions will be closely monitored at the local, regional and national levels to avoid the risk of a second peak.
"If there are outbreaks, if there are problems, we will not hesitate to brake," said Johnson.
