Local lockdowns could return in England, even as restrictions are eased.

Boris Johnson cautioned that the spread of mutated coronavirus strain could temporarily plunge specific areas back under harsh rules, even as his ‘road map’ sees a gradual relaxation of the restrictions.

The Prime Minister told the Commons this afternoon: ‘We must remain alert to the constant mutations of the virus.

‘Next month we will publish an updated plan fro responding to local outbreaks with a range of measures to address variants of concern, including surge PCR testing and enhanced contact tracing.

‘We can’t, I’m afraid, rule out reimposing restrictions at local or regional level if evidence suggests they are necessary to contain or suppress a new variant which escapes the vaccines.’

It comes as the PM outlined his plan to get the country out of lockdown, with June 21 earmarked as the earliest possible date to remove all social restrictions.

In recent weeks, surge testing has been rolled out in various areas to combat particular variants of the virus.

Last year many parts of the country were hit by local lockdowns as case rates grew in particular areas.

Places like Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester and others were hit by harsh rules in an effort to combat the spread of the virus.

More to follow.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected]

For more stories like this, check our news page.