“There will be a minimum of five weeks in-between each unlocking phase in order to allow four weeks to review the impact of the loosened measures and then a one week notice before a change to the restrictions”. (1) The decision on each stage will be based on data on infection rates and vaccination progress, and not dates (2).

“This assessment will be based on four tests:

• The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully.
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated.
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS.
• Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.” (2)