Boris to address nation at 5pm as England lockdown eases

The PM is set to urge people to be cautious amidst rising infections in Europe as lockdown in England eases

Prime minister Boris Johnson is set to address the nation later this afternoon after some lockdown restrictions eased across the country. The PM is expected to lead the Downing Street press conference from the new £2.6m government press room at 5pm, it has been reported. His address to the nation comes after people in England have been told they are now permitted to meet up outdoors in groups of six or as two households in the latest easing of government restrictions. Boris Johnson is expected to warn the nation that there could be an increase in infection levels as restrictions are lifted, urging the public to follow the rules to suppress the virus. Outdoor gatherings can take place in public spaces, such as in parks or on the beach, or in private gardens. Outdoor sports, including golf and tennis, are also set to resume today, in line with the PM's roadmap out of lockdown. Despite the loosening of social restrictions outdoors, the PM said people should to continue to work from home. Boris Johnson urged people to remain cautious today, amidst concerns of rising coronavirus cases in Europe and the potential threat they pose to the vaccine rollout in the UK. The PM said: "Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called." https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1376432836627083264 On Twitter, Boris Johnson said: "Today marks the next stage of our roadmap to cautiously ease restrictions in England. "As vaccines are being rolled out it’s vital that we don’t overdo it and risk all the progress we’ve made." He added: "Please follow the new rules carefully."