LOCKDOWN is finally set to start easing next week, with the first stage of the road map comes into force.

The Prime Minister announced his four-stage road mao out of lockdown on February 22, returning some freedoms to North-East and North Yorkshire residents on March 8. 

While most changes won't happen for some weeks, children learning from home will return to school on Monday. 

The rule of six is also set to return at the end of March, with limited changes coming into force from March 29.

This includes outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households, providing greater flexibility for friends and families to see each other - even in private gardens.

April 12 is earmarked as the day shops, gyms and outdoor hospitality reopen.

But for now, here's everything that will change on Monday 8.

Schools and wraparound childcare

Pupils and students in all schools and Further Education settings will return to face-to-face learning.

Wraparound childcare and other supervised children’s activities can resume where they enable parents to work, seek work, attend education, seek medical care or attend a support group.

Members of households, childcare or support bubbles of school staff and pupils will have twice-weekly Covid tests.

Secondary school popular and college students will also be tested for Covid twice a week, first with on-site testing then at home. 

Care home visits get the green light 

Care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor provided they are tested and wear PPE.

Residents must explicitly name their visitor, who must have a rapid lateral flow test each time they visit. 

Some students head back to university 

Some university students on practical courses will be able to return to face to face learning, mostly those who cannot complete their course without practical teaching or access to specialist facilities.

Some studying courses that “support the pipeline of future critical workers” have already been allowed back on campus.

You can meet with one other person

The Stay at Home requirement will remain, but people can leave home for recreation outdoors such as a coffee or picnic with their household or support bubble, or with one person outside their household.

No one from different households should be mixing indoors.