THE first steps along Boris Johnson's "cautious but irreversible" road to freedom from lockdown have been taken today - but council leaders in Wirral and Merseyside are urging the public to stick to the current rules.

Pupils have returned to the classroom in the first stage of a four-step plan to ease restrictions imposed to halt the spread of coronavirus. Socialising in parks and public spaces with one other person is also now allowed.

A further easing will take place on March 29, when the Easter holidays begin, with larger groups of up to six people or two households allowed to gather in parks and gardens.

The aim is to lift all restrictions by June 21 (full details on the four stages of the roadmap can be found at the end of this article).

In a statement this afternoon, the six council leaders on Liverpool City Region's Combined Authority - which includes Wirral's Janette Williamson - urged communities "to work together again and continue to embrace the public health measures and guidance that have brought us this far" to enable all restrictions to lift. 

Their statement, in full, reads:

"This week we welcome the first tranche of relaxed restrictions, as set out in the Government’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown in England.

"From today, we will see changes including schools and colleges reopening for all students, changes to outdoor exercise and recreation rules and the return of further childcare activities.

"The stay-at-home rule will remain in place until 29 March at the earliest.

"The four-step roadmap sets out further plans, expected in the coming weeks and months, which are focused on bringing the nation back to a sense of normality later this year.

"But, while start dates for each step are marked out by this plan, it is key to remember that these are just projections.

"The timings of each stage of the journey rely on the government being sure it is safe to move from one step to the next.

"If the evidence shows that the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 is increasing as restrictions ease, then we will not move to the next step – nor should we.

"Locally, we have been in a position like this before.

"Last year, our region experienced surging COVID-19 cases under a national spotlight.

"We brought our case numbers back under control thanks to the commitment of our key workers and, in no small part, to the resolve of our residents and businesses to do the right things.

"It is vital that all communities across the Liverpool City Region work together again and continue to embrace the public health measures and guidance that have brought us this far.

"We must continue to:

  • Stay home while we are being asked to
  • Wash our hands regularly
  • Cover our faces when out and about
  • Keep our distance from those we do not live with
  • Get tested – wherever necessary Let us not lose sight of the ultimate goal.

"Yes, the possibility of a return to the way things used to be is exciting for many of us, but we will not get there 21 June 21 if we do not act responsibly.

"So, while this week’s changes feel like the start of the end of this crisis, please remember that keeping ourselves and those around us safe is the main priority.

"If we can do that, the rest will follow.

"For now, please stay home and stay safe."

So what is the roadmap out of lockdown?

  • Pupils returned to the classroom today, with wider use of face masks and testing in secondaries. Socialising in parks and public spaces with one other person is also permitted.
  • A further easing will take place on March 29, when the Easter holidays begin, with larger groups of up to six people or two households allowed to gather in parks and gardens.
  • Progress along the schedule will depend on meeting four tests: the success of vaccine rollout, evidence of the jab’s effectiveness, assessment of new variants and keeping infection rates below a level that could put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
  • Shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues such as beer gardens may reopen on April 13.
  • From May 17, two households or groups of up to six people may be allowed to mix indoors.
  • Crowds of up to 10,000 in the largest venues will also be allowed at performances and sporting events.
  • All remaining restrictions on social contact could be lifted, larger events can go ahead and nightclubs could finally reopen on June 21.

Related stories:

https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/19107632.boris-johnson-sets-roadmap-covid-lockdown-3-today/

https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/19111340.wirral-barber-tracey-lewis-ready-end-covid-lockdown-3/

https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/19140002.wirral-schools-return-class-next-week/