Everything you can and can’t do from today as more restrictions are eased

Today has seen more lockdown restrictions eased in England, as we creep gradually closer to April 12th.

From today, Monday, March 29th, certain social restrictions have been relaxed, including limits on gatherings and outdoor sports.

This follows on from stage one of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, which saw schools reopen on March 8th, and people allowed to meet one other person outdoors.

Today sees the second part of stage one come into force, under which friends and families can meet outdoors using the rule of six.

You can now meet up in limited numbers outdoors, which includes private gardens, as it’s harder for the virus to spread in these settings.

You can either meet up with a group of up to six people from different households, or alternatively people from just two different households will be able to meet in a larger group.

This will be allowed in all outdoor settings, although the government still warns people should follow social distancing guidance – especially those who haven’t been vaccinated.

This means you’ll be able to enjoy a barbecue with friends and family this week and over the Easter bank holiday weekend – this year it’s April 2nd-5th.

Image by Robert Geisler from Pixabay

The government’s ‘stay at home’ guidance will also be replaced by the advice to ‘stay local’ – although it’s unclear what ‘local’ means specifically and how far people can travel.

Outdoor sports facilities like golf courses and tennis courts will be able to reopen, while organised outdoor sports like football can begin again for adults and children.

These activities need to be organised, rather than large groups meeting in a park for a kick about.

As well as that, every child will be allowed to access outdoor childcare and supervised activities, while parent and child groups will be able to happen outdoors with a maximum 15 attendees – children under five don’t count towards this limit.

Louis Hansel/Unsplash

However, pubs, restaurants and bars will remain closed for another two weeks, with hospitality able to reopen for outdoor drinking and dining during stage two, which is penciled in for April 12th as things stand.

Non-essential retail will also reopen on April 12th, as well as hairdressers, beauty salons and gyms, and libraries, zoos, museums and theme parks are also set to return – but you can only go to any indoor setting with members of your own household.

As for holidays, Airbnbs, campsites and self-catering holiday accommodation will also reopen in stage two, but for household groups only.