It’s the rule of six pack! Unlocked Britons head to parks to enjoy an evening drink

Britons enjoyed drinks with friends in sunny parks today as the nation raised a glass to the easing of lockdown restrictions – but some gatherings saw large numbers crowded together despite current guidelines forbidding it. 

As of Monday six people, or two full households, are allowed to meet outside, including in back gardens, for the first time in four months, while the Government’s ‘stay at home’ rule has been replaced with ‘stay local’.

England left lockdown straight into a three-day spring heatwave, with temperatures hitting 66.2F (24C) on Monday, with 76F predicted for tomorrow and Wednesday – just shy of the record. 

Groups of up to six people from different households or two full households are now able to meet outside, including private gardens, but pictures from Monday reveal how some were perhaps not taking this restriction as seriously as they might. 

Large crowds gathered at the Arboretum in Nottingham city centre, where revellers enjoyed packs of beer in the warm weather – leaving behind empty cans, bottles and boxes on the grass. 

In Lammas Land in Cambridge, young Britons drank rosé from the bottle and gathered in large groups, no doubt relieved to be reunited with their friends once again. 

A top temperature of 67.3F was recorded at Heathrow Airport on Monday afternoon – marking a high point for 2021. The all-time UK record temperature for March was 78.1F on March 29, 1968 in Mepal, Cambridgeshire.

It came as Boris Johnson warned Britons ‘don’t risk the progress we’ve made’ as he said it was ‘vital’ to continue abiding by social distancing rules, as police vowed to continue cracking down on large gatherings.  

People have also been quick to take advantage of the reintroduction of outdoor sports, with golfers, tennis players and outdoor swimmers already out in force – while others took to Twitter to announce their plans to have drinks. 

Weddings can also go ahead, and Ben and Gabriela Lloyd were the first couple to get married at St Albans registry office today.  

However, Professor Sir Mark Walport, former chief scientific adviser to the Government, warned people against hugging, saying they would only be able to do so again when case numbers are ‘very, very low’. 

The Government has confirmed that families can head to the beach or other beauty spots to bask in the late-March sunshine with no limit on the distance they can travel, although Matt Hancock urged people to try to stay local.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston suggested that police would still hand out fines for large gatherings but will take a more relaxed stance for private gardens, as officials launched a new slogan, ‘Hands, face, space… and fresh air’.

In a video this morning, the PM stressed that ‘we must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout’ as the latest step on his road map out of lockdown was reached.

‘Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called… don’t risk the process we’ve made.’ 

But critics have said lockdown should now be eased even faster than planned with half the population now having their first jab and Covid cases at the lowest levels since last summer and number of deaths in London hitting zero for the first time in six months.  

In Wales, the ‘stay local’ order ended on Saturday and people are now allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation. The stay home order in Scotland is to end on Friday, while in Northern Ireland up to six people, or two households regardless of size, can meet outdoors from Thursday. 

Mr Johnson addressed the nation at 5pm. 

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston told Sky News today: ‘The police are there to implement the law and there are still laws here and they will implement fines, so if there’s large gatherings, again remember it’s a rule of six and up to six, but only six or two households.

‘So if the police see people breaking those rules they can intervene, they can break up and as I say if necessary fine.

‘I recognise it’s more difficult in people’s private gardens and that’s why we’re appealing to people to be sensible for the sake of their health and others, please don’t break the rules.’   

As the shackles were slowly eased off, as well as getting back to their favourite outdoor sports people can also marry without needing an ‘exceptional’ reason. But people are being urged not to hug their friends and family.

At Charlton Lido, south-east London, swimmer David Skidmore, 81, a retired doctor, said: ‘It is fantastic to get back in the water. I’ve been swimming for 75 years and it’s part of my life.

‘I come here every morning and swim a mile or two. It’s great to get the shoulders moving again. I really missed coming during the lockdown. There’s nothing like swimming to get all the muscles and joints moving. I will back tomorrow.’

Solicitor Tristram Kennedy Harper said: ‘I usually swim three times a week so I really missed it when the pool had to close. I devised a land-based fitness regime – land swimming I suppose – but it was not the same.

‘So to be able to do something you love again that you couldn’t do for ages is the best thing. However it was a little chilly – it’s only about 11 degrees.’

Emily Bowles, 23, a bank worker said: ‘It’s been really difficult not being able to do the exercise and see each other so I can’t wait to dive in.

English Heritage has announced it has reopened 60 historic sites from today for advanced booking, although indoor areas are still closed. 

In other Covid updates today – 

• Government sources suggest France ‘won’t be added’ to UK’s ‘red list’ of countries subject to travel bans and quarantine hotel rules after lorry drivers were ordered to take compulsory Covid tests;
• As Britain hits 30million milestone for first Covid jabs, Emmanuel Macron insists France will match our vaccination success ‘within weeks’;
• University College London study finds a single Covid jab cuts the risk of care home residents catching the disease by 62%;
• Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin says vaccine passports would be ‘the last straw’ for struggling pubs and force bar staff into ‘civil liberties war’ with punters;
• Tory MPs pile pressure on Mr Johnson to speed up easing of lockdown including abandonment of work from home recommendation to help the economy rebound; 
• A new law comes into force today imposing a fine of up to £5,000 for anyone who tries to leave England before June 30 without ‘good reason’;
• Health Secretary Matt Hancock told ITV’s This Morning people should aim to minimise travel but could travel in England to see family and friends;
• Professor Sir Mark Walport, former chief scientific adviser to the Government, says people would be able to hug again when case numbers are ‘very, very low’;
• London reported zero Covid-19 deaths on Sunday for the first time in six months, according to Government figures;
• Police forces including Devon and Cornwall Constabulary warned that they would continue breaking up large gatherings.  

Businesses are braced for staff to call in sick or bunk off work early so they can enjoy drinks and a BBQ with friends and loved-ones in their gardens for the first time in months with glorious spring sunshine guaranteed for the next three days. Experts have said that the south of England is expected to see its hottest March day since 1968 with booze sales expected to rocket. 

The Federation of Small Businesses warned today that ’employees’ days off in hot weather can be a big problem’ while Bright HR boss Alan Price said: ‘If employers have enough to cope, it’s a good idea to let staff have it as holiday.’ But despite the warning the Tube was very busy this morning as Tory MPs urged Boris Johnson to lift his ‘work from home’ guidance from April to help quicken an economic rebound after lockdown.

Golf, tennis and formally-organised team sports resume today with the ‘exceptional circumstances’-only rule lifted for weddings, meaning anyone can now marry. Cycling groups in the Peak District went out together as the clocks struck midnight while others were in lidos swimming before dawn this morning. Golf courses were also getting busy at 6am, with queues for the range snaking around car parks across the country.

The changes come just in time for the mercury to soar as the week progresses, with the country bracing for a near-record 76F (24C) heat this week.

It marks the first major relaxation of the rules since England’s harsh third lockdown came into force in January. The only other easing of regulations was on March 8 when all pupils and students returned to schools and colleges across England.

With Britain today passing the 30 million-mark for number of vaccines given – and with cases plummeting by a third in just one week – the Government is under increasing pressure to speed up the easing of lockdown rules.

TV doctor Hilary Jones will head the Government’s ‘Let’s Take This Next Step Safely’ campaign which will run across television and radio from tonight. It will encourage people to remember a new ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air’ message and resist the temptation to hug those who are not in the same household or bubble.  

Psychologist Laverne Antrobus said: ‘You may find yourself having to be quite firm if others suggest ‘breaking’ the rules, like to have a hug.

‘Although it has been such a long time since we’ve been able to hug friends and family, we all still need to keep our distance to stop the spread of the virus? Try reminding yourself and those around you that soon you will be able to do these things again.’ 

She added: ‘Saying ‘no’ has never been more important, so try not to fall victim to peer pressure’. 

Hundreds of swimmers took the plunge for the first time in three months as they celebrated a return to the sport at an open air pool.

More than 700 sessions at Hampton Pool in West London sold out in a matter of seconds when they went on sale.

The 33m pool opened at 6am with a queue of eager swimmers waiting to get back in the water.

Despite the overcast conditions the heated open air pool was soon packed.

Ivan Gomez ,53, was among the first into the 27 degree water.

‘It was just wonderful’ he said after he finished.

‘It has been a long wait, but this pool is fantastic and as I train every day is something I missed’

Teenager Lavinia Ricca, a competitive swimmer, had travelled across London to Hampton for her morning swim.

The 14 year old said: ‘ Not being able to train has been very hard. I plan to take it easy and only swim about 3km. I will have to see how I get on’

With the pool marked out into lanes up to four people at a time swam in the same lane – but keeping at least 2m between each other.

Pool manager Mark Bitmead said he was thrilled to see so many of his regular swimmers back at the pool.

‘We have about 15 sessions a day for up to 50 people and when they went on sale they were all gone in a few seconds’ he said.

‘I think that shows how much people missed coming here. I’ve been on furlough since we closed but some staff were kept on to maintain the pool,’

After each session the pool and surrounding area is cleaned in accordance with Covid safety regulations.

Sabrina Fuller described her first swim of 2021 as ‘ heavenly’

She said: ‘ The moment you get into the warm water and start swimming is magical. It’s not until you’ve been forced to stop that you realise how much I’ve missed this.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told ITV’s This Morning people should aim to minimise travel but could travel in England to see family and friends.

‘We’re saying that you should minimise travel but if you want to travel to see friends and family then that is absolutely fine.

‘For instance, I haven’t been home to Suffolk since November.

‘I’m planning to go this weekend, but only go for the day because there’s no overnight stays, but I’m going to go for the day on Easter Sunday.

‘I’m going to see friends in Suffolk outdoors, and then come back again.’

Asked about his summer holiday plans, he said: ‘I’m going on holiday in the UK. I can’t wait. I love this country, I’ve had my holiday booked since last year… I’m very confident that we’re going to have a great British summer, we’re going to have great holidays here, cases are coming right down.’  

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston described today’s lockdown easing measures as ‘cautious baby steps’.

He told Sky News ‘First of all I think we can trust in the common sense of the British public to a very great degree. The vast majority of people absolutely stick to the rules and actually there’s a fair bit of self-policing that goes on as well.

‘But indeed if there are breaches, then the police can intervene and fine and they’ll continue to do so where that’s the case, but the message very clearly and hence the new message today actually is making sure that it’s very much about outdoors and open space.

‘So these are baby steps, they’re significant steps but they are cautious baby steps in part of the reopening plans. The message is it’s outdoors, it’s not indoors yet, so please be sensible.’

Nigel Huddleston told Sky News: ‘I think if people are travelling they need to think very carefully about how they travel, where they fill up for petrol, if they need food and so on, probably get that locally before you go on the journey because what we don’t want is people intermixing in different parts of the country to any greater degree than necessary and then when you do go and visit a friend or a relative make sure you stay in those gardens or stay outdoors and obey those rules, so please just again be sensible.’

On policing, he added: ‘The police are there to implement the law and there are still laws here and they will implement fines, so if there’s large gatherings, again remember it’s a rule of six and up to six, but only six or two households, so if the police see people breaking those rules they can intervene, they can break up and as I say if necessary fine.

‘I recognise it’s more difficult in people’s private gardens and that’s why we’re appealing to people to be sensible for the sake of their health and others, please don’t break the rules.’

On summer holidays abroad, Mr Huddleston told Sky News ‘caution is the name of the game here’.

He said: ‘Remember you can have a holiday in the UK as well and I encourage people to do that and plan for that as well. Indeed overseas travel, the global travel taskforce is reporting very soon actually and that will help determine the perimeters for international travel.’

He added: ‘We want people to come into the UK as well, inbound tourism is hugely important to our economy, so on a global basis we’re working with other countries to make sure that we can open up international travel, but will do so cautiously.’

He went on: ‘We do want to open up as soon as we can, that goes for domestic and indeed international, but we’ll do so cautiously based on the evidence and we’ll keep a very close eye on what’s happening in both the EU and elsewhere around the world.’

Outdoor sports facilities saw a rush when they opened this morning. 

Glenn Earlam, chief executive of gym chain David Lloyd, which reopens 79 of its clubs in England today, said people were ‘just desperate to get out of their houses and go and do something different’.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘It’s the majority of the UK clubs and it’s the outdoor facilities, so it’s outdoor swimming pools, outdoor tennis and what we call group exercise which is if you want to do a spin class or yoga or anything like that.

‘All of those facilities will be open, but in big marquees, so we’ll have big marquees outside the clubs in the grounds and the sides of those marquees will be open to let the air come through, but you’ll be covered in case it chucks it down with rain.’

He added: ‘No, we won’t be at full capacity, but social distancing will be fully in place, so for the group exercise, we’ll typically have 2.5 metres between the identified locations where people will stand or where the bikes will be, whatever it will be. In fact all of the safety protocols that we agreed with the Government last year are still in place.

‘So we regard ourselves as even safer in all honesty, we were last time round, there was a very, very low level of incidents in our facilities and in our sector, and now hopefully vaccination will make it even safer.’

He added that ‘sadly we lost members overall’ due to an average closure of eight-and-a-half months over the last year, but there was ‘a lot of pent-up demand’ and March sales were ‘very strong’.

The PM yesterday shared a video to Twitter looking forward to the return of team sports in England.

He said: ‘I want to wish the very best of luck to all the young people, not so young people, everybody who I hope is going to be heading back to the football pitches, netball courts, hockey fields, BMX tracks, all kinds of other venues this week as we welcome the resumption of organised outdoor team sports.

‘I know how hard it has been to be separated from your teammates and your coaches and the sports that you love.

‘And frankly I am speaking for myself, I love sport – and I’m hopeless at it – but I can only imagine how excited you will be to be getting back out there.’

Ministers have not said when their advice to work from home where possible will be lifted.  

As England enjoyed a relaxing of the rules, Wales is already one step ahead with its ‘stay local’ requirement dropped on Saturday.

Unrestricted travel within Welsh borders is now permitted, self-contained holiday accommodation spots – including several hotels, cottages and B&Bs – can reopen their doors and groups of six from two different households can meet up outside. 

But non-essential travelers from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are still banned from entering Wales.  

Welsh locals took advantage of eased restrictions by rushing to popular spots to enjoy the great outdoors  over the weekend. 

Seaside resort Barry Island was jam-packed with beach-goers, with some seen having picnics on the sand. 

Police officers patrolled the shore on horseback, weaving between punters while ensuring social distancing rules were being maintained.   

Martin Hewitt – chairman of the National Police Chiefs Council – said complacency risked spreading new Covid variants and could lead to fresh rules.  

Mr Hewitt warned people not to think: ‘I’m only breaching it a little bit.’ 

He said: ‘We are starting to see the possibility that we move out of the kind of strong restrictions that we have all been living under and everyone wants that to happen.

‘But there is a staged process that has been clearly laid out by Government that allows us to do that in a way that means they are able to monitor the infection rate and they are able to make sure we are not going too fast and I would urge everybody to pay attention to precisely what the changes are at every stage and not to try to preempt it.

‘Look across the Channel at most of our near European neighbours where new variants are arriving and most have now gone back into strict lockdowns.’ 

A former chief scientific adviser to the Government said that there is ‘good reason to be cautious’ as Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

Professor Sir Mark Walport told Times Radio: ‘Just across the Channel we are seeing many European countries well into a third wave of infection.

‘The average number of cases per day is about 5,000 in the UK – and is rather persistently stuck there at the moment – in France the average number of cases is nearly 37,000 cases a day.

‘The risk of the moment is that the South African variant becomes more prevalent, as it is in some parts of Europe.

‘We’ve only got to look overseas to see that there’s good reasons to be cautious.’

The ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ slogan serves as a reminder to people not to ‘sneak into the house’ as restrictions ease, a former chief scientific adviser to the Government has said.

Professor Sir Mark Walport told Times Radio: ‘We know now that airborne transmission is the most important way which this virus transmits and clearly when you’re outside it gets blown away much more easily.

‘And it’s one of the reasons that summer is a safer time for most respiratory viruses.

‘We have just come out of a time of year when it takes people a certain amount of persuasion to be outside.

‘The bottom line is, there is still quite a lot of infection about and we need to emphasise to people that the relax in the restrictions is outdoors and it doesn’t give people an excuse to sneak into the house.’

Professor Sir Mark Walport, former chief scientific adviser to the Government, said people would be able to hug again when case numbers are ‘very, very low’.

‘At the end of the day the virus gets from one person to another by proximity and proximity can happen outside as well,’ he told Times Radio.

Asked about when people could hug again, he said: ‘I think that when the evidence shows that the case number is really really low indeed, that’s the point, so some degree of caution makes sense.

‘We’re also learning more about the effectiveness of the vaccine every day at the moment – as more and more people get the vaccine then we will learn from the numbers.’

When asked what he would consider to be ‘very, very low indeed’ he said: ‘Well, how long is a piece of string?

‘As I say, it’s significantly lower than we’ve got at the moment, you know 5,000 cases a day is roughly where we were at the end of September, and certainly if this was on an upward trajectory we would be pretty worried at the sorts of numbers.

‘Somewhere around 0.3% to 0.4% of the population across the UK on any day being infected – that’s the prevalence of the infection.’

Professor Sir Mark Walport, former chief scientific adviser to the Government, said that vaccine passports were ‘not inevitable’.

‘It will be much easier to weigh up the pros and cons when we know much more accurately what the effects of the vaccine are,’ he told Times Radio.

‘We don’t know how long vaccination lasts but it’s likely to be a decent period of time.

‘So I think these are questions that the policymakers are struggling with – they are difficult questions actually.

‘And we should be getting the report from the group looking at this in the next week or two.’

Foreign travel will be banned by law from Monday and those leaving the country without a reasonable excuse will incur a possible £5,000 fine. Holidays in the UK are still banned.

The next set of rules will be eased on April 12. These include pubs and restaurants opening outdoors, travel around the country permitted and the reopening of non-essential shops.

The roadmap will lead to the return of almost all freedoms by June 21, provided cases do not surge.

Some Tory MPs want ministers to move faster to lift restrictions.

Steve Baker, deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group, said: ‘The question will keep coming up: if we are really following the data, can we have our lives back sooner?’

More than 30 million Britons have now had a Covid vaccine, the latest figures show.

A total of 423,852 people had their first dose on Saturday alone, while a further 233,964 received their second.

This brings the total number of Britons vaccinated to a massive 30,151,287 since the country’s ambitious jab drive began on December 8.

And, in a positive sign for the PM’s roadmap out of lockdown, Sunday’s daily Covid figures have seen a significant week-on-week drop.

A further 3,862 people tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday – down 27.3 per cent on last Sunday.

And the UK’s daily death toll has plunged too, with Sunday’s 19 fatalities marking a drop of 42 per cent compared to that day last week.

Six per cent of the adult population have now been vaccinated, Government figures have revealed, with everyone aged 50 and over eligible to get one of the approved jabs.

Yesterday, NHS England’s national medical director urged the nation not to ‘squander the gains’ made against coronavirus as he warned the virus can still ‘wreak more havoc’ ahead of lockdown restrictions lifting today.

Professor Stephen Powis said Covid-19 still has the capacity to cause damage and ‘ill health on a significant scale’, citing concerns over new variants detected. 

The health chief added that the prospects ‘look immeasurably brighter and more positive’ but said that the easing ‘does not mean job done’.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Prof Powis said: ‘We’ve made enormous progress that we need to build on and not squander the gains we’ve made. 

‘We need to hold our nerve and drive for the line, so everyone can get back safely and soon to our normal lives.’  

Boris Johnson said he is wary of the prospect of rising coronavirus infection rates, but sees ‘absolutely nothing in the data’ to halt the easing of the lockdown.

The Prime Minister acknowledged cases could again spiral as restrictions are relaxed but said the ‘key difference’ this time is that the rise in prevalence should be ‘sufficiently mitigated’ by the successful vaccine rollout. 

Scientists have been cautioning that tougher borders might be the trade-off for loosening the lockdown, with households set to be allowed to mix outside from Monday for the first time in months.

However, Heathrow Airport is trying to salvage the situation by pushing a ‘traffic light’ plan for defending against countries where variants are identified. Under the plan putting an ‘amber alert’ on a destination would mean travellers face three days of quarantine and a tailored testing regime. 

In interviews this morning, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said international travel is ‘challenging’. Asked about the ‘traffic light’ idea, he told Sky News’ Ridge on Sunday: ‘We’re exploring all these issues as part of the international travel taskforce.

‘We consider all options as part of the travel taskforce. 

It comes amid allegations that foreign holidays are unlikely to be back on the cards until August despite plans to lift the domestic lockdown in June.

Britons booking trips abroad have been warned they are being ‘very optimistic’, with signs ministers will keep the legal ban on non-essential travel in place longer to minimise the risk of importing mutant Covid strains. 

Even once the restrictions are eased, destinations with higher infection rates are expected to face extra rules such as quarantine.     

The grim message comes as Europe faces another wave of the disease, amid its struggling vaccine rollout. 

Meanwhile, the UK was planning to offer 3.7 million jabs to Ireland, partly to help ease lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland, according to the Sunday Times.

It would be the first time Britain exported jabs to the EU and the newspaper reported a Cabinet minister saying it would be a ‘poke in the eye’ for Brussels amid a row over supplies.

The arrival of Moderna vaccines to the UK had been expected in spring, but the Mail on Sunday reported that the first 500,000 doses will arrive imminently in a boost for the rollout.

During a discussion at the Conservatives’ virtual spring forum, the Prime Minister said that a ‘third wave’ is being witnessed in parts of Europe and ‘bitter experience’ has taught him that this could hit the UK ‘three weeks later’.

But he added: ‘There’s lots of promising evidence that a lot of people who could be vulnerable are now protected against death and serious disease, that’s my hope, my hunch.’

Mr Johnson remained optimistic that his road map to easing England’s restrictions can continue, saying there is a ‘good chance’ of allowing non-essential retail reopening on April 12, when hairdressers are also earmarked to reopen.

‘In just a few days’ time, I’m finally going to be able to go to the barbers,’ he said in a subsequent speech.’But more important than that, I’m going to be able to go down the street and cautiously, but irreversibly, I’m going to drink a pint of beer in the pub.

‘And as things stand, I can see absolutely nothing in the data to dissuade me from continuing along our road map to freedom, unlocking our economy and getting back to the life we love.’ 

‘Hands, face, space… and fresh air’: Boris Johnson urges people to be ‘cautious’ as new looser lockdown slogan launches – with an ads drive to encourage working from home

Boris Johnson urged people to be ‘cautious’ today as he unveiled a new ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ slogan for the looser lockdown.

The PM said he was hoping for a ‘great British summer of sport’ as the brutal restrictions ease in England – with up to six people or two entire households allowed to mix outdoors.

But Mr Johnson also pointed to surging cases in Europe and the threat of variants emerging as he pleaded with the public not to get carried away.

The warning is being underlined with the new messaging stressing the importance of ventilation, and a huge information drive to make clear that the crisis is not passed.

Ads will implore people to ‘take the next step safely’ – reminding them that they need to stay socially distanced, cannot meet indoors, and should keep working from home where possible. 

Another ad sees a psychologist giving advice on how to deal with friends and family who suggest breaking the rules, saying people may need to be ‘firm’ and give ‘gentle reminders’ about distancing.

TV doctor Hilary Jones appears on a campaign which will run across television and radio from tonight, encouraging viewers to resist the temptation to hug those who are not in the same household or bubble.

Ministers are concerned that people will see today’s easing of the lockdown as an excuse to meet indoors, even though this is not allowed until May.  

From today groups of up to six, or two households, can socialise in parks and gardens once more, while outdoor sports facilities can reopen after the stay-at-home order ended on Monday.

Among the first to re-open its doors was the Morley Hayes Golf Club, near Derby, with players teeing off at 12.01am on Monday for a seven-hole floodlit charity tournament.

Mr Johnson – who will hold a press conference in his new £2.6million briefing room this evening – stressed that ‘we must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout’, while warm weather was excepted to accompany the relaxation.

‘Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called,’ the Prime Minister added.

He is expected to urge the public to take personal responsibility by sticking to the restrictions as he holds a Downing Street press conference.

Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen after months of being shuttered.

Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning grassroots competitions can take place ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.

Restrictions were eased as official figures showed more than 30 million people in the UK have received a first vaccine dose, accounting for about 57 per cent of all adults.

Mr Johnson said he hopes the easing will ‘kick-start a Great British summer of sport’ as sports stars teamed up with the Government to encourage a return to physical activity. 

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the progress of the vaccine roll-out ‘must be protected’, adding ‘when you meet others do so outdoors and keep a safe distance’.

Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty added: ‘The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors. It is important to remember this as we move into the next phase.’

Mr Johnson has warned that a spike in cases could be seen as parts of Europe are struck by a third wave of infections but hopes the vaccine roll-out will suppress hospitalisations and deaths.

The Prime Minister has sought to lose weight after his own hospitalisation with Covid-19 and the Government is now calling for the public to participate in a fitness drive, with children recommended to aim for an hour of physical activity a day, and adults for at least 150 minutes.

England World Cup-winning cricket captain Eoin Morgan said: ‘With summer – and the cricket season – just around the corner, there’s no better time for everyone, young and old, to get back to having fun by getting outdoors, being active and playing sport.’

British number one women’s tennis player Johanna Konta said: ‘I’m so happy people in England are now able to get back on court and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of tennis.’

England Rugby Union prop Kyle Sinckler added: ‘I can’t wait to see you guys get out there, and all the kids getting back out there to enjoy themselves.’

The fitness drive comes after the latest figures showed more than 150,000 deaths involving coronavirus have been recorded in the UK.

In Wales, the ‘stay local’ order ended on Saturday and people were allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation.

The stay home order in Scotland is to end on Friday, while in Northern Ireland up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outdoors from Thursday.

It is the second major easing of England’s lockdown imposed in early January, with schools having been reopened to all pupils on March 8.

While greater outdoor freedoms are now permitted, the Government is still advising people to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they take.

The next step in the roadmap to easing England’s lockdown is April 12, which is earmarked for non-essential shops to reopen and for outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.

 

Sports are back, weddings just got (a bit) bigger – and the rule of six returns for gardens: What you can – and can’t – do as England steps out of lockdown on Happy Monday

England will today wake up to the first major relaxation of its lockdown rules since they came into force in January. 

As the country reaches the next stage of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown, gatherings of up to six people – or two full households – are now allowed in parks or in back gardens.

Golf, tennis and team sports are also able to resume – with the PM wishing ‘the very best of luck’ to those heading back to pitches, courts and fields.

With Britain today passing the 30 million-mark for number of vaccines given – and with cases plummeting by a third in just one week – the Government is under increasing pressure to speed up the easing of lockdown rules.

But for now, Britons can soak up the sought-after sunshine in the park with friends – or work up a sweat with a kick-about on the pitch – as Mr Johnson urged everyone to ‘remain cautious’ and stick to the rules.

Here, MailOnline answers your most-pressing questions about what the latest lockdown rules mean for you.

Do I have to stay at home? 

No. Today marks the end of the Government’s stay-at-home guidance, which stated that Britons can only leave the house for daily exercise, to visit their ‘bubble’ household or for essential journeys – such as to the shops or doctors.

People can now meet outdoors in groups of six – or two full households of any size – in parks or back gardens. 

A ‘household’  can include an existing support bubble, if eligible.

The Government is instead urging Britons to ‘stay local’. It is not yet known what distance constitutes ‘local’.

Social distancing rules for people not in the same household are still in place.  

Can I have a wedding and a reception?

As of today, the ‘exceptional circumstances’ rule has been lifted for weddings.

Before March 29, Britons were only able to consider booking a wedding or civil partnership in exceptional circumstances.

This may be, for example, if you or your partner is seriously ill and not expected to recover or is to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery. 

This rule no longer applies, meaning weddings – which must be limited to six people – are open to all. 

Wedding receptions can go ahead but they must adhere to social distancing rules.

So an outdoor reception of six people from any number of different households – or two full households of any size – is permitted in a park or back garden.

But an indoor reception at home, for example, must be carried out within the household or support bubble. 

Will my hairdresser be open?

No. Personal care premises like hairdressers, barbers and nail salons will not reopen until April 12. 

Can I meet up with friends indoors?

No. Meetings of up to six people from any number of different households – or two full households of any size – must be outdoors. 

Only those within your household or support bubble can meet with you indoors. 

Can I have a picnic in the park? 

Yes. As long as the rule of six or two-household limit is followed.

Can I have a barbecue in the garden with my family?  

Yes. As long as the rule of six or two-household limit is followed.

Can I play football in the park? 

Yes. As of today, you can take part in formally-organised outdoor sports with any number of people.

Outdoor sports venues and facilities are now able to reopen.

Can my child attend an outdoor playgroup? 

Yes. Formally-organised parent and child groups can take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under five will not be counted in this number.

Childcare and supervised activities are also allowed outdoors for all children.