As this is a predictions thread, I’ll make some that others haven’t:
1) some elements of the ‘roadmap’ will be released over this weekend, to keep it in the news
2) by next Monday, infections will still be running at a 7 day average of c 8-9000, and (most importantly), the number of people in hospital with Covid will be c16,000 - which is where we were the week before Christmas, ie still in trouble in that respect. There will still be some parts of the country with 7 day infection rates over 200 per 100,000. There may be a mention of hospitalisations data showing a steady reduction of admissions for the groups who have been vaccinated around 4-6 weeks their group started being immunised. (Latest data from last week shows the first signs of a slight reduction in hospitalisation rates in the over 75s, compared to under 75s for example)
3) there will be at least 3 weeks between each stage - long enough for the effect of the easement to feed through into infection rates
4) each stage of easement will be said to be permanent, ie no going back, hence the need to be cautious.
5) there will be no promise of being able to have big gatherings over Easter. There may well be an easing of restrictions to allow one household to mix with one other household indoors from the end of March.
6) no localised tiers or lockdowns (per nation)
7) fully intend to enable people to have a summer holiday in the UK
8) all restrictions off by the autumn (Informed Sources third law applies)
9) new variants mean, that in the words of Jeeves: “Constant vigilance required, Sir”