HUGS with family and friends and indoor socialising are expected to be allowed from next week as the third stage of the roadmap out of lockdown is due to come into force.

The next stage of the roadmap expected to go ahead as planned on May 17, with ministers to hold a meeting on today morning to agree the next set of measures.

From May 17, most social contact rules outdoors will be lifted, although gatherings of more than 30 will remain illegal.

Indoors, the rule of six or two households will apply, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove suggesting physical contact between friends and family will be allowed.

It means families will be able to hug their loved ones, and friends share a warm embrace, for the first time in months.

Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes are expected to reopen.

Crowds are also due to return at sports venues and theatres, meaning crowds can return to watch Bradford Bulls and Keighley Cougars for the first time in over a year.

Other measures include allowing up to 30 people to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals.

The Government said the latest data suggests easing restrictions from May 17 is unlikely to risk a resurgence in infections.

The Prime Minister is set to hold a press conference this afternoon to announce the easing of restrictions.

Boris Johnson said: “The road map remains on track, our successful vaccination programme continues – more than two-thirds of adults in the UK have now had the first vaccine – and we can now look forward to unlocking cautiously but irreversibly.

“It’s because of the British public’s unwavering commitment that we are saving lives, protecting the NHS and controlling the virus.”