Thursday's newspapers are dominated by the prospect of lockdown restrictions being eased from Monday, 11 May. The Sun declares 'Happy Monday', the Daily Mail proclaims 'Hurrah! Lockdown freedom beckons', and the Daily Express goes with 'First steps to freedom'. The Daily Star describes the date as 'magic Monday'.
The Guardian suggests that people will immediately be allowed to sunbathe, have picnics and go rambling. The Daily Mirror predicts a five-stage plan: primary school classes resuming at the end of May, secondary schools in June, and pubs and restaurants reopening in August with social distancing. The Financial Times reports that fewer restrictions may come with stricter border checks, including a possible 14-day quarantine for all arrivals.
The Daily Telegraph and The Times focus on the expected change from the 'stay at home' message to 'stay safe, save lives'. The Telegraph warns that Boris Johnson may struggle to change the public's mindset if he is over-cautious, but notes that trust in him remains high.
Several papers analyse the first PMQs between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer. The Daily Mirror calls it 'round one' to Starmer, saying he 'punctured' Johnson's claims of success. The Daily Mail's sketch writer likened the encounter to a James Bond meeting. The i newspaper noted Starmer's nervousness, while the Guardian said he struck the right balance but has a long way to go.
The Financial Times reports that the new NHS contact-tracing app is 'in question' after documents revealed a £3.8m contract to investigate switching to Apple and Google's technology, which would be a U-turn from the UK's original decision. The Daily Express highlights Cornwall's tourism sector facing an £885m loss, with its head urging the government to allow reopening before summer ends.
