Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon.

The key points were:

1. 8 million people have now been vaccinated with 80% of over 80s vaccinated with a first dose.

All evidence shows the vaccines remain effective against the UK variant.

Borders will now be strengthened with a hotel quarantine for arrivals for 10 days from high-risk locations.

These countries include Brazil and South Africa.

There is not enough data yet to reopen society.

37,000 patients remain in hospital.

By mid-February there will be enough data to determine a course out of lockdown.

advertisement

The plan for taking the country out of lockdown will be published on 22nd February.

This will be a gradual and phased approach - with schools the national priority.

Schools will give two weeks notice to reopen - so pupils will not return immediately after the February half-term.

Schools could potentially reopen on March 8th according to the PM.