THIS afternoon the Prime Minister is to announce how the country will emerge from its third national lockdown.

The whole country has been under tight restrictions since the start of January, when schools closed down, shops were forced to shut and the country’s remaining open pubs were ordered to cease trading.

However there is light at the end of the tunnel, with Boris Johnson set to announcement his plan for how England will come out of lockdown.

The Prime Minister is expected first to address the House of Commons at around 3.30pm before he makes a televised speech to the nation this evening.

National media reports suggest the national address will take place at 7pm and will be broadcasted on all major broadcasting channels.

While restrictions are expected to be lifted at a slow pace – with some measures remaining in place until the mid-summer at least, the announcement is set to be a relief for many.

The roadmap will set out the steps for easing measures over the coming months, with a return to the classroom for schoolchildren the first item on the agenda.

While a staggard approach is expected, many of the country’s children can expect to be back in the classroom by March 8.

At the opposite end of the scale the hospitality industry is likely to be left waiting the longest to reopen despite calls to allow bars and restaurants to open in some capacity in a last-ditch bid to save thousands of suffering businesses.

Meanwhile people are expected to be allowed to meet with family members outdoors by the Easter weekend.

This means visits to loved ones will once again be back on the cards, in the fresh air and at a social distance.

Yesterday it was also revealed that those living in care homes will be able to have a nominated visitor to come and see them, where holding hands would be allowed – something that has not been possible since visitors were banned from homes last March.

Visitors going into homes will be required to take a lateral flow test, which gives an almost immediate result, before entry. They must also wear PPE.

While a date has not yet been announced, Mr Johnson will also discuss dates for the reopening of non-essential shops and the beauty industry.

It is expected that the Prime Minister will outline his plans to the House of Commons in the afternoon followed by an address to the nation in the evening.