The United Kingdom will ease the restraining measures imposed in the context of the pandemic from next Wednesday, but, according to the Prime Minister, this is not, for now, the end of the confinement, but before a "plan conditional "for the gradual return to normality.

In a televised speech, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday the "first cautious steps" to lift the UK lockdown and restart the economy, allowing more people to return to work while controlling the spread of covid-19.

Warning that there will be no immediate end to confinement, the head of the British government announced a easing of restrictions on circulation from Wednesday, the date from which citizens will already be able to enjoy leisure time outdoors for the practice of activities like golf and tennis, and trips to the country's parks and beaches.

To the people who cannot work at home, the prime minister said that they must return to jobs. But anyone who can stay in telework should do so. "Work from home if you can, and go back to work if you can't," said Johnson.

At the same time, the prime minister also revealed plans to enforce the rules: the fines for those who disobey social distancing rules rise from 40 to 100 pounds, and to 3,200 in the case of repeat offenders.

"This is no time to just end confinement this week," said the prime minister. "Instead, we are taking the first cautious steps to change our measures."

In the speech, Johnson said the country avoided the "catastrophe" of 500,000 deaths from coronavirus, due to compliance with the containment rules that prevented the hospitals' ability to respond. "It would be crazy to waste this achievement now, allowing for a second peak," he stressed.

According to the government's plan, primary schools will start reopening for some children as of June 1. Most students in the cycle will not return to schools before September.

Hotels and restaurants are expected to start reopening in July, although bars are likely to be closed for longer.