Following Coronavirus' becoming a global threat, developed and developing countries tried to control the rate of spread of this disease, which poses a risk to public health, by applying restraint measures. While the harsh quarantine measures taken were partially lifted as part of the normalization steps towards the end of May, the measures were brought up again due to the increase in number of cases in the third quarter of 2020.

The UK, the first country to implement these measures in developed economies, experienced the third wave of the Coronavirus and its new strains, and officials sought to reduce cases caused by new strains by implementing stricter policies. Becoming successful in the decline of the cases, UK officials now believe that measures applied for about 5 months can be lifted again.

The Cabinet, which has been seeking a roadmap for the restrictions since the last week, had stated that February 22 will be the deadline for giving final decision.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who made statements after a meeting in the House of Commons on 22 February, said he was optimistic that restrictions would be lifted and that the steps of normalization would consist of 4 stages.

Johnson stated that in the first phase, children in England go back to school and people are allowed to meet one friend or relative for a chat or picnic outdoors. And on April 12, shops and hairdressers will reopen and also, pubs and restaurants will start to operate, though only outdoors. Indoor venues such as theaters and cinemas, and indoor seating in bars and restaurants, are scheduled to open May 17. The final stage of the plan, in which all legal limits on social contact are removed and nightclubs can reopen on June 21. But Johnson, who did not guarantee that UK would be fully opened on June 21, noted that the priority was for children to return to schools.

Meanwhile, UK Health Minister Matt Hancock said they were committed to the target of a safe and swift exit from the outbreak, adding that this would not be the case for an opening earlier than June 21. A spokesman for the PM said restrictions imposed across the country would be lifted in stages and Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi said sports activities would be allowed on March 28.

In addition to a positive contribution to sterling assets, the reopening of the UK due to the decline in cases may also point to a path of recovery in macroeconomic indicators as of the second quarter of the year.