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Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation this week about changes to the UK lockdown rules. Since the end of March the UK has been adhering to strict lockdown rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But a few weeks ago some measures were eased, including the rules regarding employment and going outdoors.

Under the current measures, people are being told to stay alert and stay at home wherever possible.

But recently those who are unable to work from home have been told they can now return to work so long as social distancing rules can be abided by.

People are now allowed to take as much outdoor exercise as they like.

People can also meet up with one other person from another household, as long as both parties stay at least two metres apart.

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• Shops reopening: Which shops will reopen on June 1 and June 15?

What lockdown changes will come into effect on June 1?

Mr Johnson announced changes to the lockdown rules regarding non-essential retailers and shops from the start of June.

Some DIY and gardening shops have recently been allowed to reopen during the lockdown.

And as of June 1, outdoor markets and car showrooms will also be able to reopen.

What lockdown changes will come into effect on June 15?

Non-essential stores have been given the green light to reopen from June 15.

This includes shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets.

However, shops will only be allowed to reopen if social distancing guidelines can be met.

Businesses will only be able to open from June 15 once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and when they are confident they are managing the risks.

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Measures that shops should consider putting in place to meet these risk assessments include placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance and commitment to safety measures, storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor, or placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas.

This will also require frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals.

Business owners will now have three weeks to prepare for reopening.

Mr Johnson said: “Today, I want to give the retail sector notice of our intentions to reopen shops, so they too can get ready.

“There are careful but deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country.”

Hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector remain closed, however.

This is because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person to person contact is required.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “The high street sits at the heart of every community in the country. Enabling these businesses to open will be a critical step on the road to rebuilding our economy, and will support millions of jobs across the UK.

“The guidance we have set out today provides a vital framework to get shops open in a way that is safe for everyone.

“It explains how retail workers who are not currently working can go back to work as safely as possible and feel confident in their workplace.

“And it reassures customers that shops are properly assessing the risks and putting in place measures to protect them.”

When will schools reopen?

Mr Johnson announced at the Downing Street press briefing on Monday the Government will allow some schools to open on June 1.

Mr Johnson said: “Today, I can announce it is our intention to go ahead with that as planned on June 1, a week on Monday.

“We then intend from June 15 for secondary schools to provide some contact for year 10 and year 12 students to help them to prepare for exams next year, with up to a quarter of these students in at any point.”

The Government will make a final decision next Thursday on exactly when all school children will be back in education, as the Government is due to formally review the current lockdown measures on this date.

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