As it happened: PM holds press briefing nation on relaxing England's lockdown

5 April 2021, 15:50 | Updated: 5 April 2021, 20:43

Boris Johnson hosts Downing Street Covid press conference | Watch LIVE 5pm

By Joe Cook

Boris Johnson has confirmed England's lockdown will be relaxed as planned on 12 April. Rewatch the PM's press briefing in full here.

The prime minister made big announcements on what life will look like as lockdown eases, including confirming which areas will reopen next week, plans for restarting foreign travel, 'vaccine passports' and weekly mass testing.

Mr Johnson confirmed that non-essential shops, hairdressers and pub gardens can reopen as part of the government's roadmap out of lockdown on 12 April.

Details on how the controversial 'vaccine passports' will work were laid out during his announcement.

Speaking from the new £2.9 million Downing Street press room, Mr Johnson was accompanied by Chief Medical Advisor Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance.

Read more: Twice-weekly Covid tests for all in England to stop outbreaks 'in their tracks'

Read more: 'Traffic light' system for holidays abroad unveiled - but 'don't book this summer'

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