WE'LL be able to workout in the gym, pop into the pub for a refreshing beer and then get a long-awaited haircut from next Monday,

The Government has confirmed that stage two of lifting lockdown is going ahead in England on April 12.

It comes as the rate of new confirmed Covid cases has dropped, patient numbers in hospitals have fallen, a vaccine rollout continues apace and there has not been a spike in coronavirus variants.

This is what we'll be able to do from Monday:

  • All shops, including non-essential ones, will be allowed to open;
  • Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services can re-open;
  • Restaurants and pubs can serve food and alcohol outdoors;
  • Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres;
  • Families can holiday in England self-contained accommodation;
  • Up to 15 people can attend weddings;
  • And up to 30 can attend funerals, although only 15 will be permitted at wakes;
  • Indoor children's activities will be permitted;
  • And two people can visit residents in care homes.

Stage three of the roadmap will apply from May 17 at the earliest.

  • That will allow groups of 30 people to meet outdoors;
  • People will be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
  • Six people or two households can meet indoors;
  • Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors;
  • Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events such as christenings;
  • Outdoor entertainments such as theatres and cinemas can re-open;
  • Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children's play areas can open
  • Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on number of people attending;
  • Hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts will open again;
  • International leisure travel could possibly resume;
  • Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart.

Stage four will be activated on June 21 at the earliest.

That will see an end to all limits on social contact, numbers permitted at weddings, funerals and other life events; and nightclubs will be allowed to open.

Here's a summary of what we're already allowed to do under stage one of the easing of lockdown:

  • Groups of six people or two households can meet outside, including in our gardens;
  • Stay-at-home has ended, but people should minimise travel;
  • Outdoor sport facilities, including golf courses, tennis and basketball courts, and outdoor swimming have reopened;
  • Formally organised outdoor sports has been given the go ahead;
  • Up to six people can attend weddings.