What Boris Johnson said in his lockdown roadmap press conference today - and full list of updates

Beer gardens, non-essential retail and outdoor attractions will be able to open next week, and a new testing regime will see every adult in England able to access two rapid covid tests per week, the prime minister announced earlier today.

Speaking at the Downing Street Covid press conference, Boris Johnson also said that he is “hopeful” international travel will be able to resume on 17 May, but this will be dependent on what happens between now and then.

Appearing alongside England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, Mr Johnson said he will be visiting a pub on April 12 when restrictions are relaxed.

He said: “I will be going to the pub myself and cautiously but irreversibly raising a pint of beer to my lips.”

Here’s what we learned from the PM’s press conference.

Restrictions will be eased next week, as planned

The main focus of the conference was to confirm that the next step in the roadmap out of lockdown will go ahead as planned on April 12.

This means that pubs, restaurants and cafes can reopen outdoors, while people will be able to go to shops, gyms and hairdressers for the first time in months.

The changes also mean that libraries, theme parks, zoos and indoor swimming pools will be able to reopen.

The prime minister said: “We think that these changes are fully justified by the data.”

It was also announced that care home residents will be allowed an extra visitor from April 12, meaning two people can visit at a time.

People urged to take free Covid tests, ‘even if they don’t feel ill’

As of 9 April, everyone in England will be able to take a free rapid Covid test twice a week, regardless of their job or whether they have symptoms.

The prime minister confirmed that the testing scheme will be massively expanded, allowing for anyone in England to get up to two free tests per week.

Boris Johnson urged people to make use of the free tests, “even if you don’t feel ill”.

He said: “We can’t be complacent, we can see the waves of sickness affecting other countries and we’ve seen how this story goes.

“That’s why we’re saying please get your vaccine or your second dose when your turn comes, and please use the free NHS tests even if you don’t feel ill.He added: “Because remember, one in three people with this virus doesn’t have any symptoms”.

People will be able to get two rapid lateral flow tests per week by them ordering online for home delivery or collecting them from pharmacies.