Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to delay the final steps of lockdown.
It’s thought he will move push back the proposed June 21st date by four weeks.
The turnaround comes as cases of Covid-19 are continuing to rise.
The PM has also refused to rule out further delays if thought necessary.
Cancelling the 21st keeps in place wearing face masks, limiting groups to six people indoors and 30 outside and keeping shut nightclubs.
Mr Johnson will unveil the new proposals at a Downing Street press conference.
His message will be “one last heave” and sticking to the rules to avoid further lockdowns.
A senior UK government source said:
“The message has always been cautious but irreversible. That has been our mantra throughout and that continues.
“It would be far worse to have uncertainty and go backwards.
“It is better to be cautious and have certainty.
“It is one last heave.
“It is a straight race between the vaccine and the virus.”
