The government is set to review when social distancing measures could be scrapped as part of lockdown easing.
Under the roadmap limited social mixing indoors will be allowed from May 17 and ministers will review whether people can hug their loved ones at that time,
Indoor gatherings of six people will not be permitted until Step 3 - not before May 17 - when 30-strong outdoor gatherings will be allowed.
But the roadmap acknowledges "it may be possible to go further than this" on indoor meetings "depending on the data".
Around this stage, ministers will review social distancing rules between friends and family, potentially allowing hugging to return for the first time since the first lockdown in March last year.
The roadmap said: "As soon as possible, and no later than Step 3, the Government will update its advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging.
"Until then, people should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble, and keep up habits such as regular hand washing and letting in fresh air."
The hospitality sector will be able to reopen indoors from this step, too, with no curfew and no need for substantial meals to be served with food.
Pubs will not yet quite look the same as they did before the pandemic, however, with customers obliged to order, eat and drink while seated.
Some legal limits on social contact will stay in place until the fourth step, which will begin no earlier than June 21, with Mr Johnson having set four tests to progress between the stages.
Ahead of Step 4, ministers will complete a review of social distancing measures, including the "one metre plus" rule and the wearing of masks.
Find your nearest vaccination centre by entering your postcode below
They will also assess whether to lift the "work from home" guidance, which remains in place under the third step.
The first easing of social contact will come in the first phase of Step 1, when recreation in parks and gardens with one person from another household will be legally permitted from March 8 at the earliest as the "stay at home" order is relaxed.
Nightclubs will be among the last venues to remain shuttered, with their reopening not earmarked until Step 4.
