Friends and families will be reunited from today as England takes a second major step out of lockdown.
Two households or groups of up to six can socialise in parks and gardens once more, while outdoor sports facilities can reopen and small weddings can resume.
Weddings will be limited to six people, including the couple, for at least two weeks until April 12, when 15 guests will be allowed.
Boris Johnson urged Brits to take caution as Covid cases continue to rise across Europe, amid fears the new variants could trigger another UK wave despite more than 30 million receiving a jab.
The Prime Minister added: ‘Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called.’
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.
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.
A new slogan was also unveiled to stress the importance of ventilation in reducing the spread of the virus: ‘Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air.’
A public information campaign warns against the dangers of gathering indoors, with 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.
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.’
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.
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.
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