Boris Johnson has announced the first steps in the ease of Britain's coronavirus lockdown.
People who cannot work from home - such as those working in manufacturing and construction - should be "actively encouraged" to go back to work, Boris said in a statement addressed to the nation on Sunday, almost two months after he called for lockdown of the country on 23rd March.
He added that, from Wednesday, Brits will be allowed to "sit in the sun in their local park" for the first time in two months. They can also drive to other destinations and play sports with members of their own households.
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Meanwhile, police fines will be increased to make sure social distancing is observed.
The government will review progress made by the new measures from 1st June, including considering the "phased reopening" of shops and to get primary pupils back into school beginning with Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.
From July, the government may look into opening "at least some" of the hospitality and other public places, provided they are safe and observe social distancing.
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The PM stressed that the measures were part of a "conditional plan" and subject to change, while workers will still be discouraged from using public transport where possible.
He also thanked the British public for their "effort and sacrifice" in helping to stem the spread of the virus and lower the threat level, while adding that it would be "madness" to allow a second outbreak to unfold.
Testing "literally hundreds of thousands of people every day" will be a vital part of the UK's recovery from the pandemic, Boris said. This will help to map "local flare-ups" as well as giving a more detailed picture of the national crisis.
The plans are part of the government's so-called "road map" for the UK to emerge from the coronavirus crisis.
It follows the prime minister's comments at PMQs on Wednesday, 6th May in which he explained he wanted to "get going with some of the lockdown easing measures on Monday".
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The review of lockdown was thought to have taken place on Thursday, with the announcement delayed while officials looked at the data and how it supported the plan.
Today's news follows widespread speculation about what measures would be lifted, with the Welsh government accusing some media outlets of sending "mixed messages" to the public.
The Prime Minister had explained that the UK was "past the peak" of the virus outbreak during his first No. 10 conference since recovering from the virus. He added that the country shouldn't risk "a second spike".
He added: "In short, how we can continue to suppress the disease and at the same time restart the economy."
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