UK Govt: schools reopening, outdoor meetings set for March

UK vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi on Monday set out the UK government's thinking on plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions, with schools set to reopen on March 8 and then further lifting of curbs on activity throughout next month.

Prime minister Boris Johnson is due to announce the plans in parliament later Monday. Zahawi said the focus of easing lockdown restrictions is "steady as she goes" as he said there would be an easing of restrictions on outdoor socialising.

Asked if travelling distances to see family would be permitted from March 29, he said: "As long as it's outdoors, and it is two families, or the rule of six, then that is what will be permitted if the four tests continue to be delivered upon."