The eight key lockdown changes announced in Boris Johnson's speech

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined the key changes to the UK lockdown in an address to the nation.
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Mr Johnson thanked the public for their efforts in social distancing but said it would be "madness" to allow a second spike in the coronavirus pandemic by completely lifting the lockdown.

Instead, he announced the government's new plan - but stressed the plan is "conditional" and would be led by science.

Here are the eight key points from his address:

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced eight key changes to the UK lockdown in an address to the nation on Sunday, May 10.Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced eight key changes to the UK lockdown in an address to the nation on Sunday, May 10.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced eight key changes to the UK lockdown in an address to the nation on Sunday, May 10.

A new Covid alert system

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A new alert system is being established to monitor the threat posed by Covid-19.

The system, similar to that used to establish the terrorist threat, will be run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre.

The UK is currently at level four of the five-tier system, just below the "most critical" threat - the kind that would have seen the NHS swamped by coronavirus cases.

Boris Johnson used his address to the nation to suggest the country was now edging towards level three.

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The further down the Covid alert level ladder the country goes, the more lockdown measures could be eased.

Construction and manufacturing workers to go back to work

People in the construction and manufacturing industry are being "actively encouraged" to go back to work.

This also extends to anyone who is not able to work from home.

Mr Johnson said: "We said that you should work from home if you can, and only go to work if you must.

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"We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work."

He added: "And to ensure you are safe at work we have been working to establish new guidance for employers to make workplaces COVID-secure."

Avoid public transport - use cars, walk or cycle

Mr Johnson urged people to avoid public transport when travelling to work.

Instead he said people should use cars, cycle or walk.

The Prime Minister said: "And we want it to be safe for you to get to work.

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"So you should avoid public transport if at all possible – because we must and will maintain social distancing, and capacity will therefore be limited.

"So work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can’t work from home.

"And when you do go to work, if possible do so by car or even better by walking or bicycle.

"But just as with workplaces, public transport operators will also be following COVID-secure standards."

Unlimited outdoor exercise

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Mr Johnson has lifted the 'one daily exercise per day' rule.

This will begin on Wednesday, May 13.

Mr Johnson said: "From this Wednesday, we want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise.

"You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household."

Fines for lockdown flouters will be increased

In his speech, Mr Johnson said that people who disobey lockdown rules will face greater fines.

The increase in fines has not been announced yet.

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The Prime Minister said: "You must obey the rules on social distancing and to enforce those rules we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them."

Phased reopening of schools

Mr Johnson has announced the government's plan to reopen schools.

He said the aim is to open the schools for reception, year one and year six pupils.

The aim for secondary school pupils who have exams next year is to have "some time" with teachers before the holidays.

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However this plan is conditional depending on the rate of new infections and the progress the country has made in regards to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Prime Minister said: "Every day, with ever increasing data, we will be monitoring the R and the number of new infections, and the progress we are making, and if we as a nation begin to fulfil the conditions I have set out, then in the next few weeks and months we may be able to go further.

"In step two – at the earliest by June 1 – after half term – we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6.

"Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays.

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"And we will shortly be setting out detailed guidance on how to make it work in schools and shops and on transport."

Reopening of hospitality industry and public places

Mr Johnson announced plans to open up the hospitality industry by July.

However, this again is subject to the latest data on the coronavirus.

The Prime Minister said: ""Step three - at the earliest by July - and subject to all these conditions and further scientific advice; if and only if the numbers support it, we will hope to re-open at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places, provided they are safe and enforce social distancing."

Imposed quarantine on people flying into the country

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Lastly, Mr Johnson announced plans to impose quarantine on people flying into the country.

He said: "To prevent re-infection from abroad, I am serving notice that it will soon be the time – with transmission significantly lower – to impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air.

"And it is because of your efforts to get the R down and the number of infections down here, that this measure will now be effective.

"And of course we will be monitoring our progress locally, regionally, and nationally and if there are outbreaks, if there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes."

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