The Prime Minister today (Monday) revealed the next steps in the government fight against coronavirus.

England's second national lockdown of 2020 will be lifted on 2nd December, when a three-tiered system of guidelines will allow businesses to reopen.

In a statement to the House of Commons this afternoon, Boris Johnson's "stay at home" instruction to the country will finally end a week on Wednesday following a national lockdown.

Lockdown will be replaced by a revised version of the tiered system of restrictions.

Boris Johnson said today (Monday): "We can see a route out of the pandemic for the first time, by the Spring the scientific advances should make a COVID lockdown redundant.

"We will return to a regional tier approach."

The Tiers

The tier system has been toughened up following warnings from government scientists that the previous measures were not enough.

In tier 1 (Medium):

-The rule of six applies when meeting indoors and outdoors

-Pubs and restaurants must shut at 11pm (last orders at 10pm)

-People are encouraged to minimise travel and work from home when possible

-Limited numbers of people allowed at sporting and live events

- Hairdressers, salons and other personal care services allowed.

Tier 2 (High)

-No household mixing indoors

-Rule of six when outdoors

-Alcohol can only be served with a substantial meal

-Limited numbers at sporting and live events

-Hairdressing and other personal care services allowed

Tier 3 (Very high)

-No household mixing indoors or outdoors in hospitality venues or private gardens

-Rule of six applies outdoors in public spaces

-Pubs and restaurants must only operate a takeaway and delivery service

-Advice to avoid travel in and out od the area

-Hairdressers and salons remain open

Christmas Regulations

- The Prime Minister was keen to emphasise that Christmas will not be normal this year.

- The whole of the UK will have a few days over Christmas with relaxed restrictions. The details of this are not yet confirmed.

Rapid testing and news on the vaccine

Mr Johnson also emphasised the importance of rapid testing. A new testing programme will be launched in Tier Three areas in an effort to reduce the rates of coronavirus.

Contacts of people with symptoms will be tested every day for a week and if negative will not need to isolate for an extra week.

A vaccine will be rolled out when approved.