Some lockdown restrictions will be eased this weekend with a full lifting of the circuit breaker planned for February 1.

At this afternoon’s Covid briefing, Chief Minister Howard Quayle announced the easing of some restrictions on outdoor gatherings and trades from Saturday.

And he said Ministers were working towards a full exit, including the reopening of schools, from February 1 if there’s been 21 days of no community transmission.

He said: ‘From first thing Saturday we will be into a transition phase towards our exit from lockdown. I know this will be welcome news for many.

‘But please let’s not forget that there is still a risk that there is virus in our community. The best thing is to continue to act like it is out there.’

There are no plans to change border controls at this stage, said Mr Quayle.

But he said travel restrictions could start being lifted from the end of May once everyone aged 50 and above has been vaccinated but any change will depend on the infection rate in the UK.

By day 15 of the circuit breaker lockdown today, no new cases had been identified for three days and there had been nine consecutive days with no community cases.

The number of active cases has fallen to 48, with one in hospital.

From midnight (Friday/Saturday) a range of construction and trades will be allowed to return to work, including electricians, roofers, decorators, gardeners, builders, joiners and window cleaners.

But they must either work alone or maintain social distancing and where this is not possible, they must use face coverings.

Tradespeople may work indoors only if they are working alone on an empty property.

Also from Saturday you will be able to meet with friends or family, or exercise with people from other households, so long as this is outdoors and you maintain social distancing.

Mr Quayle stressed social distancing would continue to be important and the public would be asked to carry on wearing face coverings.