Boris Johnson is expected to announce the next stage of unlocking can go ahead on May 17, with people finally allowed to hug their family and friends again.
The Prime Minister will speak at a 5pm Downing Street press conference tonight and will say that high vaccination rates, falling infections and plunging numbers of deaths mean Step Three of No 10's unlocking “roadmap” can go ahead.
Mr Johnson said on Sunday: “The data reflects what we already knew – we are not going to let this virus beat us.
“ The roadmap remains on track, our successful vaccination programme continues – more than two-thirds of adults in the UK have now had the first vaccine – and we can now look forward to unlocking cautiously but irreversibly.
“It’s because of the British public’s unwavering commitment that we are saving lives, protecting the NHS and controlling the virus.”
Hugging relatives people do not live with will be allowed again for the first time in almost 14 months, the Government confirmed - reports Mirror Online.
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told BBC1's The Andrew Marr Show: “As we move into Stage Three of our roadmap, it will be the case that we will see people capable of meeting indoors.
“And without prejudice to a broader review of social distancing, it is also the case that friendly contact, intimate contact, between friends and family is something we want to see restored.”
Asked if that meant hugging from May 17, he replied: “Yes.”
Pubs, restaurants and cafes will also be able to serve customers indoors from Monday.
It will also mean the Rule of Six, or two households, will apply indoors, allowing families to gather in living rooms and around dining tables for the first time in months.
Up to 30 people are expected to be allowed to meet outdoors.
In its roadmap published in February, Step Three says: “The government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.”
Overnight stays will also be allowed.
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs will be able to reopen, along with cinemas, museums, galleries and children's indoor play areas.
Up to 30 people should be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals, Christenings and bar mitzvahs.
Secondary school pupils are expected to be allowed to shed masks in classrooms.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said last week: “As infection rates continue to decline and our vaccination programme rolls out successfully, we plan to remove the requirement for face coverings in the classroom at Step Three of the roadmap.”
The head of the Oxford University vaccine group believed it was the right time to ease further restrictions in England.
Professor Andrew Pollard said the country has seen the "extraordinary success" of both the vaccination programme and the "prolonged" lockdown.
He said: "I think it is time to start, based on the very careful modelling that's been done, relaxing some of those restrictions.
"That means we're in a very fortunate position here in the UK."
Mask wearing in shops, on public transport and when walking around pubs, restaurants and cafes is set to continue until at least June 21, when all restrictions are due to end if Step Four of the roadmap is triggered.
People are still told to work from home if they can – advice that is due to continue until June 21.
