Local communities could be sent back into lockdown if coronavirus cases spike after rules are relaxed, the government has confirmed.
The Mirror yesterday revealed plans for a 'whack-a-mole' approach to easing the lockdown rules.
But they were confirmed by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick at today's Covid-19 briefing.
He said it was the Government's "strong preference" that lockdown measures are lifted at the same time across the country.
But he said some restrictions could be reimposed at a local level if required.
"Our strong preference is that the whole country moves as one," he said.
"But if, as we build up our infrastructure for testing and tracking and tracing, in time it is required for us to make interventions in smaller micro-communities where you are seeing the virus take hold again, then that will be something that we consider as other countries around the world have done when they have implemented effective track and trace systems.
"But that is very quite different from making major changes to lockdown measures in one part of the country versus another."
The tough measures will be imposed in a bid to stop a deadly second wave.
Boris Johnson is expected to relax some rules and firms could reduce distancing at work if they get PPE.
But TUC boss Frances O’Grady branded the move an “open goal” for rogue bosses to cut corners.
While there may light at the end of the tunnel for cooped up Brits, experts warn strict measures will be brought in to avoid a deadly second wave of coronavirus.
While some restrictions look likely to be eased in the coming weeks, regions could face local lockdowns if there are signs of another outbreak there.
As the death rate rose by 288 to 28,734 – the smallest rise since last month – leaked guidance showed the Government is considering relaxing the two-metre distance rule for some businesses as they slowly start to get the economy moving.
The documents, covering seven key sectors of the economy, recommend companies adopt extra measures such as physical screens if keeping a gap between workers is impossible.
But union chiefs warned they could not back the proposals as they fear rogue bosses would not implement the rules properly – putting staff and the wider community at risk.
Earlier, Boris Johnson said he hoped the easing of lockdown measures would start from Monday.
The Prime Minister is expected to set out his 'roadmap' for easing the measures in an address to the nation on Sunday.
And today Mr Johnson revealed the government hopes to start introducing the measures - which could see some outdoor activities resume - the following day.
It comes after the PM faced criticism for planning to reveal the measures on TV first, rather than in the House of Commons.
Announcing them on Sunday and implementing them on Monday means MPs may not have a chance to ask questions about them before they take effect.
Asked why he was breaking with the usual rules, the PM said: "The reason for that is very simple, that we have to be sure the the data is going to support our ability to do this.
"That data is coming in continuously over the next few days. We want if we possibly can to get going with some of these measures on Monday."
