This is when Boris Johnson is expected to reveal the UK's lockdown exit strategy

Boris Johnson is expected to address the public this Sunday (Getty Images)Boris Johnson is expected to address the public this Sunday (Getty Images)
Boris Johnson is expected to address the public this Sunday (Getty Images)

The nation is waiting in anticipation for the easing of lockdown measures, with a Sage meeting on Thursday set to dictate the government’s approach.

Details of the UK’s move out of a lockdown period, which started on March 23, remain under wraps, but the Prime Minister promised that details would be revealed in the aftermath of the Thursday meeting.

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Speaking on April 30 at his first daily press briefing since recovering from coronavirus Boris Johnson promised to unveil “a road map” outlining how he plans to “unlock” different parts of the UK economy.

It is hoped that the measures will provide the public with confidence to resume a relatively normal life.

When will Boris Johnson unveil new measures?

The Sage (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) meeting is set to take place on Thursday, with Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty among the scientific figures expected to be attending.

It is being widely reported that the unveiling of the Prime Minister’s “road map” will take place on Sunday, with Mr Johnson to deliver a public address to the nation.

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The Prime Minister has also said that an outline of the government’s exit strategy will be released this week, though it remains unclear when this will be made public.

What is Boris Johnson expected to say?

There has been much speculation over the contents of Johnson’s “menu of options” which he teased last Thursday.

The Prime Minister spoke of a desire to ease restrictions in order to “fire up the engines of this vast UK economy”.

A draft of new measures for workers have already been floated by the government with reduced hot-desking, working from home and shift staggering among the measures that could be introduced.

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The Telegraph have also claimed that primary schools could be opened as early as June 1.

The use of public transport is also thought to be at the forefront of the government’s plans with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggesting that one-way systems could be introduced at stations in order to prevent public transport from becoming a breeding ground for the virus.

During his press briefing on April 30 Mr Johnson also hinted that he government would encourage the use of face coverings, despite previous claims that they had a minimal positive impact.

Where can I watch Boris Johnson’s address?

Boris Johnson’s address will be available to watch live on BBC News.

Sky News has a live YouTube stream here.

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Coronavirus: The Facts

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus and is spread primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.

What are the symptoms? 

The NHS states that you should not leave the home if you have either:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

What should I do if I feel unwell?

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Don’t go to your GP but instead look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

When can I go outside?

The Government has put the UK into lockdown and instructed everyone to stay at home. You should only leave your home for very limited purposes:

• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

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• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

However, these reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

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