Boris Johnson unveiled the roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions across England in February and it laid out the plans for people being allowed to socialise with others outside of their own household again.
The roadmap – finally – gave people something to look forward to, following disrupted Christmas plans and a third national lockdown.
Following the first phase of the roadmap – sending children back to school – the next step is letting people meet with another household in groups of up to six outdoors. For many, this might be the first time in months that people are seeing friends and family in person.
We’re still not allowed to meet indoors, but just what counts as meeting outdoors? Can you meet inside someone’s garden, or does it have to be a public space?
Can you meet in private gardens in England?
From today (March 29), up to six people can meet outdoors in England – and this will include gatherings in private gardens as well as public spaces.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that people will be allowed to walk inside someone’s house to go to the bathroom if you are socialising outdoors together.
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This is the second phase of the roadmap. After this, if everything goes to plan, non-essential retail, hairdressers, barbers and nail salons, and other grooming services will be allowed to open from April 12.
Indoor leisure facilities, including gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen for people using it as a single household – meaning you can’t meet friends in the gym.
Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve people outside again from this date, too.
After this, on May 17, most social contact rules are expected to be lifted outdoors, although gatherings outside will be limited to 30 people.
Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve punters indoors again, for parties of up to six people.
Entertainment venues such as cinemas will be able to open again, as well theatres and concert halls, along with soft-play areas.
Finally, depending on how the previous steps have gone, the Government hopes to lift all legal limits on social contact by June 21.
Can you meet in private gardens in Wales?
Up to six people from two households who live within Wales are permitted to meet outdoors, including in private gardens and private outdoor spaces.
Children under the age of 11 are not included in this total.
Visitors can go through the house to reach the garden or outdoor space, but must not stay in the house.
When can you meet in private gardens in Northern Ireland?
From April 1, up to six people from no more than two households can meet up outdoors in a private garden, so long as social distancing is maintained.
Up to 10 people from no more than two households can meet up outdoors in a private garden from April 12.
Children are included in these totals.
Visitors can go through the house to reach the garden or outdoor space, but must not stay in the house.
When can you meet in private gardens in Scotland?
Since March 12, up to four adults from two households have been able to meet outdoors, including in private gardens.
Meeting up indoors is still banned, but visitors can go inside to use the toilet.
Also, four teenagers (aged 12-17) from four different households are permitted to meet outdoors.
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