Downing Street refused to be drawn on weekend reports suggesting that restrictions on meeting friends in a park could be among the first to be lifted once schools are back. Whilst there is some reason for cautious optimism, we remain in a difficult situation, with the pressures on the NHS still very significant. We have to go at the pace that the latest data and evidence allows, one source said. Our biggest priority remains schools, and we will set out our plan for reopening them, and gradually reopening our economy and society on February 22.
Hairdressers are among the non-essential businesses hoping to hear when they can reopen.
While coronavirus cases continue to fall across Norfolk and Waveney amid the vaccination drive, when and how we will emerge from lockdown remains unclear.