Key dates in the path out of lockdown are looming for Boris Johnson, who is due to set out his plan to ease restrictions at the end of this month. 

In less than a fortnight, the Prime Minister will explain what comes next for England, with officials anxious to avoid a fourth lockdown.

Schools are expected to return first, as part of a gradual and phased relaxation of the measures – though there are fears that some rules will need to remain in place for many months yet. But with the rapid rollout of the vaccine alongside a declining rates of cases, hospitalisations and deaths, many are hopeful that the end is now in sight.

There are a number of different factors which could shift the relaxation forward or back, but based on current trends, here are some of the key dates to watch out for in the eventual easing of lockdown.

February 15 

The first review of lockdown restrictions was due on Monday, February 15. 

But there is now no chance of any restrictions being eased then, after Mr Johnson confirmed schools will not open until March, having said that they would be the first priority. 

However, it is the deadline for hotel quarantine being introduced for arrivals from red list countries, and it is also the day the Government had as the target to have offered vaccines to the most vulnerable people. 

February 22 

The following Monday will be a key moment, however, with the Prime Minister setting out his ‘road map’ out of lockdown. 

It is unclear exactly what he will say but a phased relaxation is likely, as is an eventual return to the tier system. 

‘I will be setting out as much as we can about that roadmap forward on February 22,’ Mr Johnson told a press conference last week.

March 8 

Two weeks later is the very earliest that schools could return, meaning the Prime Minister would have to announce it during his ‘road map’ press conference, since schools have been told they will get two weeks’ notice. 

If cases remain stubbornly high, this target date could be pushed back yet again, but decisions are likely to be made when the data is clearer.

Schools and colleges could all open on the same day or, perhaps, younger pupils less at risk from the virus could return earlier. 

The public can expect things like outdoor activities, like sport and socialising in small groups, to be next on the agenda.

March 31 

Current lockdown laws are due to expire on March 31, meaning new legislation will be needed to extend it if rules are not lifted. 

Some Conservatives are likely to oppose an extension, but Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour party may be relied upon to push through new rules if the Government want them to. 

It is highly unlikely that all the measures will be lifted by then and England can expect some restrictions to be in place for some time. Face masks and social distancing measures, in particular, are likely to be long-term fixtures.

End of April and beyond

The Government is aiming to vaccinate all priority groups, including everyone over 50, by May. 

There has been no concrete guidance on who would get jabs next but younger adults can expect to be invited for their first dose in the months after that deadline. 

Warmer weather should also have a positive impact on case numbers, potentially meaning a further easing of restrictions. 

There is speculation that pubs could reopen in May, but ministers will not be drawn on the reports and concrete decisions are highly unlikely to have yet been taken.

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