Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out his 'road map' for how the nation will emerge from the current lockdown restrictions.

This time there are no 'tiers' or regional restrictions. Maldon has been under Tier 4 restrictions - in effect very similar to a full lockdown - since shops closed on the 19 December.

Mr Johnson said: "Today the end really is in sight."

"A wretched year will give way to a spring and a summer that will be very different and incomparably better than the picture we see around us today."

The plan - unveiled by Mr Johnson in the Houses of Parliament this afternoon (Monday, 22 February) has four main steps, including:

One: on 8 March schools will re-open, with families encouraged to take tests regularly;

-two people will be allowed to meet outdoors;

- care home resident will be able to nominate one visitor.

- from 29 March outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed;

-outdoor sports will be allowed;

-people will no longer be required to stay at home, but should continue to work from home wherever possible and avoid travel.

Two: on 12 April non-essential shops, hair salons, gyms and outdoor hospitality will reopen in England, but only if strict conditions are met;

-holiday lets will be able to re-open but only for single household groups;

-zoos and theme parks will be allowed to re-open.

Three: no earlier than 17 May, most outdoor restrictions to be lifted with a limit of 30 people to any group;

-indoor meeting of two households;

-re-opening of pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, sports stadiums and some other venues for indoor customers.

Four: no earlier than 21 June, all legal limits on social contact, including weddings, nightclubs and large events will be removed.

Reaching all steps will depend on conditions on the rates of vaccination, infections, hospitalisations and deaths, as well as what happens with new variants.

There will also be a review of travel on 12 April - however, international travel (non-essential) will not be resuming before 17 May.

Mr Johnson will also hold a national TV press conference at 7pm.