Zero Covid deaths for England, Scotland and NI

Zero coronavirus deaths have been announced in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday.

Wales recorded four deaths meaning that, overall, the UK showed a slight increase on the two deaths recorded on Sunday.

It comes as Boris Johnson has confirmed England will proceed to lift more lockdown restrictions next week.

Meanwhile, the UK's coronavirus alert level has been lowered from four to three on the advice of experts.

Alert level three means that although the virus is still in general circulation, transmission is no longer high or rising exponentially.

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Experts say cases, hospital admissions and Covid-related deaths have all decreased and vaccines are having the desired protective effect, with the latest figures showing a third of UK adults are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and two-thirds have had their first of two doses.

The UK moved to the highest Covid alert level - five - in January as the nation was put into lockdown and there was a real risk of the NHS becoming overwhelmed. By late February, the alert was lowered to four.

The alert system, which follows recommendations by the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), is independent from government decisions on easing or tightening restrictions.

In stage three of the government's road map for lifting England's lockdown, starting on 17 May, people will be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors, while six people or two households can meet indoors.

People will also be allowed to stay overnight with those not in their household or bubble. Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues, such as cinemas and soft play areas, will be permitted to reopen indoors.

And up to 30 people are to be allowed to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals.

Foreign holidays will also return. On Friday, the government announced that 12 destinations would be placed on England's travel green list, meaning anyone returning from those areas will not need to quarantine from 17 May.

Each stage on the roadmap out of lockdown has been separated by a gap of several weeks to allow scientists to assess the impact of previous changes, which in stage two included the reopening of non-essential shops and outdoor service in pubs and restaurants.

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The government is satisfied that its four tests have been met:

• the successful rollout of vaccines

• evidence that jabs are reducing serious illness and death

• infection rates are under control

• the risk from coronavirus variants not changing

The devolved nations are working to their own timeframe for easing restrictions.

In Wales, indoor hospitality such as pubs, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and museums are expected to reopen from 17 May. All tourist accommodation is due to reopen and wedding receptions can have up to 30 people indoors and 50 outdoors.

In Scotland from 17 May, indoor hospitality venues are expected to resume with alcohol being served until 22:30. Cinemas, amusement arcades and bingo halls should reopen and indoor group exercise restart.

More restrictions may be lifted in Northern Ireland on 24 May, including the reopening of indoor hospitality, B&Bs and hotels. Indoor group exercise could resume and wedding receptions and funeral wakes restart.

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