Tomorrow marks the 100th day since the UK went into lockdown.

As many restrictions are eased, here’s a look back at how things have developed.

March 23: The public told they are only allowed to leave their homes for limited reasons, including shopping for food, exercise once per day, medical need and travelling for work when absolutely necessary.

All shops selling non-essential goods are told to close, gatherings of more than two people in public are banned, all events including weddings – but excluding funerals – are cancelled.

March 25: The Prince of Wales tests positive for coronavirus.

A GP from Leigh, Dr Habib Zaidi dies from Covid-19.

The 76-year-old, who worked at the Eastwood Group Practice, died within 24 hours of entering Southend Hospital’s ITU.

March 26: A support package for the self-employed is announced – covering an average of 80% of earnings over the last three years. This will last until October, the Chancellor later confirms.

The Clap for our Carers campaign begins, kicking off a weekly national applause of appreciation for frontline NHS workers.

March 27: Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock test positive for Covid-19.

April 5: Downing Street says Mr Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests as a “precautionary step” as his coronavirus symptoms persisted.

April 6: Downing Street says the Prime Minister’s condition has worsened and he is moved to St Thomas’ Hospital’s intensive care unit.

April 12: Mr Johnson is discharged from hospital and will continue his recovery at Chequers, Downing Street says.

April 15: Basildon Hospital comes the worst-hit hospital in the East of England.

The hospital had recorded 131 Covid-19 related deaths at this point during the pandemic.

April 27: Mr Johnson is back in Downing Street and “in charge” of the Government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.

April 28: Mr Johnson vows that key workers who have lost their lives in the pandemic will not be forgotten, as a national minute’s silence is held in their honour.

April 29: A care worker at Westcliff Lodge dies from coronavirus.

Tributes were paid to the member of staff at the care home, who also confirmed a third of their residents had died from Covid-19 

April 30: Captain Tom Moore celebrates his 100th birthday at home with his family as  he becomes a national hero after raising more than £32million for the NHS by walking laps of his garden. He is later awarded a knighthood.

Southend nurse Felix Khor enters intensive care and is put on a ventilator after contracting coronavirus, only weeks after raising concerns over a lack of PPE.

May 5: The UK’s declared death toll from coronavirus rises to more than 32,000 to pass Italy’s total and become the highest in Europe.

May 10: Mr Johnson sets out “the first sketch of a road map” for easing the coronavirus lockdown in an address to the nation.

A phased reopening of schools and non-essential shops in England could potentially begin from June 1 if transmission can be reduced and people who cannot work from home should be “actively encouraged” to return to their jobs.

He granted unlimited exercise in England.

May 15: A contraflow system is introduced on Southend seafront, with the Western Esplanade widened from Chalkwell to the iconic pier.

The contraflow, which cost Southend Council £75,000, will be removed on July 4, in line with the easing of lockdown.

May 17: Visitors flock to Southend beaches for the first time since lockdown began as scorching weather hits the seafront

Images cause debate whether social distancing was being observed by beach-goers.

Those wanting to enjoy the sun are urged to use quieter beaches.

May 18: Southend nurse Felix Khor is clapped out of ITU in a heartwarming video.

May 22: Reports suggest that Mr Johnson’s top aide Dominic Cummings broke the Government’s lockdown rules, having travelled with his wife and son from London to his parents’ property in Durham.

May 24: Mr Johnson backs Mr Cummings, and confirms a phased reopening of England’s primary schools.

May 25: Mr Cummings defends himself, saying he does not regret his actions, which included driving to Barnard Castle ‘to test his eyesight’ on Easter Sunday.

South Essex MP’s react to ‘Cummings-gate’, with Stephen Metcalfe, MP for East Thurrock and Basildon, calling for him to resign.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, called for Mr Cummings to be suspended, while Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, demanded a public apology.

June 1: Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 across England begin returning to primary school.

June 8: Passengers have to go into self-isolation for 14 days when they arrive in the UK and people who fail to comply can be fined £1,000 in England.

June 13: Grandparents in England who live alone reunite with their families.

June 15: The Royals shopping centre in Southend re-opens, but Debenhams won’t open its doors until two days later.

Eastgate shopping centre re-opens in Basildon, with huge queues outside Sports Direct and Primark.

Face masks become mandatory on public transport.

June 23: The two-metre rule on social distancing will be relaxed to “1m-plus” from July 4.

From July 4, families will also be able to reunite, drinkers can enjoy a trip to the pub and people can go on holiday in England, in a significant relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
Cinemas, museums, art galleries, bingo halls, community centres, hair salons, work canteens, outdoor playgrounds and outdoor gyms hairdressers and barbers will be able to welcome customers again from that date.