This is when lockdown started in the UK - and how it compares with other countries

Boris Johnson will announce the next phase of lockdown on Sunday (10 May) (Photo: Shutterstock)Boris Johnson will announce the next phase of lockdown on Sunday (10 May) (Photo: Shutterstock)
Boris Johnson will announce the next phase of lockdown on Sunday (10 May) (Photo: Shutterstock)

Staying indoors has become the norm in the UK, with the country adapting to life in lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

However, current restrictions could soon be about to change as the government prepares to announce a ‘road map’ for the second phase of its response, with Boris Johnson set to address the nation on Sunday (10 May).

But how long has lockdown been in place?

When did lockdown start?

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The government imposed the lockdown on the evening of Monday 23 March.

The restrictions were initially put in place for a period of three weeks, until Monday 13 April, but were later extended for another 21-day period.

The government will review the current restrictions on 7 May, three weeks after the last extension was announced.

The Prime Minister will then announce the next phase of the UK’s response to the pandemic on Sunday (10 May).

What restrictions could be eased?

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After his address to the nation on Sunday (10 May), Mr Johnson suggested that “phase two” of the plan for tackling coronavirus could come into force.

While he has not confirmed how or which restrictions may be tweaked, Downing Street indicated that "easements" were being considered, such as outdoor activities.

But there could be a possible tightening of rules in other areas.

The news comes after he announced on Thursday (30 Apr) that the UK had now passed the peak of infections, and was on a downward slope.

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Scientists estimate that England’s daily hospital death toll peaked around 8 April and has been falling steadily since.

In Scotland, the weekly total of coronavirus-related deaths has now started falling for the first time, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS).

A total of 523 deaths were registered between 27 April and 3 May, marking a decrease of 135 from the previous week.

However, there are still some suggestions that deaths in care homes may still be increasing.

How does UK lockdown compare with other countries?

China

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Wuhan in China, where coronavirus is said to have originated, imposed what is probably the most extreme lockdown from 23 January, with all journeys in and out of the city banned - even for those medical or humanitarian reasons.

Lockdown was gradually eased in parts of China, more than two months after being imposed, although restrictions had to be reintroduced in some areas as signs of a second wave of infections emerged.

The city of Wuhan came out of lockdown on 8 April, almost three months after it came into force.

Italy

Italy shut down its northern region on 8 March - the hardest hit by the virus - and extended restrictions to the whole country just two days later.

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The lockdown measures were initially meant to be lifted on 3 April, but were later extended until 12 April and again until 3 May.

Italy entered “phase two” of its lockdown on 4 May, with people allowed to return to work and leave their homes after almost two months indoors.

Spain

The Spanish government declared a state of emergency on 14 March and imposed a nationwide lockdown, which came into force on 16 March.

The lockdown was initially ordered for a period of two weeks, but was then extended to 11 April.

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The country has now begun its journey back to normal life after almost two months of strict lockdown, with residents now able to exercise outdoors for the first time in seven weeks.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said four Spanish islands would be the first to ease measures from 4 May, with the rest of Spain relaxing restrictions a week later.

Mr Sánchez aims to return the country to a “new normality” by the end of June.

France

France went into full lockdown on 17 March, with citizens banned from leaving their homes except to buy food or essentials, visit the doctors, or travel to a job that is certified as not being possible to do from home.

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The country is now planning to gradually ease its lockdown, with shops and primary schools expected to reopen from 11 May, while senior schools will remain closed until at least June.

Most shops will be allowed to reopen from 11 May, except those in shopping centres, but cafes, bars and restaurants will remain closed.

Public transport is also set to resume, with 70 per cent of the Paris network expected to be running this month.

Germany

Germany has been under lockdown since 22 March, with restaurants, leisure facilities, and most shops closed.

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The country is now slowly lifting restrictions, but social distancing measures still remain and citizens have been recommended to use face masks in shops and on public transport.

Schools gradually started reopening from 4 May, with priority given to students with upcoming exams.

Large public gatherings, including religious services, will remain banned until 31 August, while cafes, restaurants, bars, cinemas and music venues are still closed.