Boris Johnson thanks parents and teachers as schools go back
The first part of lockdown easing started today
Last updated 8th Mar 2021
Boris Johnson has praised parents and teachers as he welcomed the return of millions of children to the classroom in England under the first easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Under the first phase of the Government’s road map out of lockdown, visits to care homes have also resumed from today – under strictly controlled conditions.
The Prime Minister told a Downing Street press conference that the return to schools marked a “big day and an emotional day” for millions of families across England.
He said: “We all know that the education of our children is so important that the greater risk now is keeping them out of school for a day longer.
“I want to thank all the teachers who have got their schools ready and who have been teaching throughout the period – whether that is remotely or in person. Your work has been astonishing.”
Mr Johnson also thanked parents who have been teaching their children at home and said: “We all know that the burden has disproportionately fallen on women – often holding down jobs and providing childcare at the same time.”
He said the Government’s job was to ensure pupils not only catch up on lost learning but “take the biggest possible step forwards with a concerted national programme for educational recovery”.
Death rate dropping
Dr Jenny Harries, England’s deputy chief medical officer, has said that coronavirus cases, hospital admissions and deaths are all continuing to fall.
Dr Harries told the No 10 news conference that infections were now below 100 per 100,000 of population in every part of the country and were back to where they were in September.
The Government later said a further 65 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Monday, bringing the UK total to 124,566.
It's the second day in a row that figure has been under 100, the last time the death rate was in double figures was 9 October.
Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies for deaths where Covid-19 has been mentioned on the death certificate, together with additional data on deaths that have occurred in recent days, show there have now been 145,000 deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK.
Prime Minister's comment on Meghan and Harry's interview
Boris Johnson did not raise the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah himself, but was asked about it by journalists.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had the “highest admiration” for the Queen but refused to be drawn on the bombshell claims in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Oprah Winfrey interview.
At a Downing Street press conference, he said: “I have always had the highest admiration for the Queen and the unifying role that she plays in our country and across the Commonwealth.”
But on “all other matters to do with the royal family, I have spent a long time now not commenting on royal family matters and I don’t intend to depart from that today”.
All the proposed dates for lockdown easing
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.