Barnet is “not in the clear yet” – and the route out of the coronavirus lockdown and back to normality involves gradual changes.

That was the message from council leader Cllr Dan Thomas after the Government set out a “roadmap” to lift lockdown restrictions in four stages.

Cllr Thomas said people should be proud of the sacrifices they have made during lockdown, as the borough’s seven-day Covid-19 infection rate dropped below 100 cases per 100,000 – lower than the UK average.

But he also pointed out the Government plans to ease restrictions only if the vaccine rollout is successful and infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions.

Responding to the roadmap announcement, which came on Monday, the leader said: “I thank all of you who have done so much to keep others safe at this time.

“However, it is incredibly important for all of us to understand that we are not in the clear yet, and our return to normality will involve gradual changes over the next few months.”

The first stage in the lifting of restrictions in England will see primary and secondary schools reopen to all pupils on March 8.

Cllr Thomas said: “This has been an extremely tough time for our young people, but throughout lockdown our fantastic teachers have continued to provide remote education for all children and young people unable to attend school, while schools remained open to vulnerable children and children of critical workers.

“The next big date will be March 29, when we will be able to meet a small number of people in outdoor settings, like our many excellent parks and greenspaces. If all goes well, and rates are not rising, then we will see leisure, non-essential retail and hospitality reopen in April. Further restrictions could be eased in May and June.

“These milestones will only be reached if four conditions are met: the coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan; vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment; infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions; and new coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions.

“Winter has been difficult for us all, but spring brings hope of a summer that all of us can enjoy here in Barnet. Our community is our strength, and I know we will continue to support each other for the sake of our health, wellbeing, and livelihoods.

“Please remember, stay at home and: hands, face, space. Get vaccinated when it is offered to you. Together, we will get through this.”

More details on the roadmap out of lockdown are available here.