Prime Minister Boris Johnson urges public to ‘behave responsibly’ when lockdown eases on April 12

The Prime Minister has urged caution during the “major step forward” in the easing of England’s lockdown as a scientist advising the Government warned the rules must be followed to minimise a possible rebound in case numbers.

Mr Johnson has urged the nation to “behave responsibly” as outdoor hospitality venues, such as beer gardens, welcome customers back.

Shops deemed non-essential will also reopen on Monday, April 12, as will hairdressers, indoor gyms, swimming pools, nail salons and zoos in a stride back towards normality.

However, social mixing indoors will remain heavily restricted, with around 40% of adults yet to receive their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

The Prime Minister said: “I’m sure it will be a huge relief for those business owners who have been closed for so long, and for everyone else it’s a chance to get back to doing some of the things we love and have missed.

“I urge everyone to continue to behave responsibly and remember ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ to suppress Covid as we push on with our vaccination programme.”

Mr Johnson has postponed his celebratory pint and Government communications have been cut down to essential messages after Prince Philip’s death on Friday, April 9 at the age of 99.

Across the country, pubs and restaurants have been making changes during lockdown to maximise their ability to serve customers outside.

The previous 10pm curfew rule and the requirement to order a substantial meal with a drink have been scrapped, but social distancing must be observed.

Professor Peter Horby, chairman of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag), said: “The watchword has got to be caution really.

“It’s not clear exactly when or how big it will be, but there is, I think, inevitably going to be a bit of a rebound in the number of cases when things are relaxed.”

The Oxford University academic said the vaccination programme will reduce hospital admissions and deaths but warned it will not be completely effective.

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