Outdoor meetings and sports now allowed in latest easing of restrictions

The next phase of restrictions in the country's roadmap out of lockdown begin to ease today

As of today, groups of up to six people or two households are permitted to meet outside in England, as prime minister Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown continues. Meetings must take place outdoors, such as in public spaces including parks or in private gardens. The stay-at-home order has been removed, and people are instead advised to 'stay local' to limit the spread of coronavirus. Under the new government guidelines, outdoor sport facilities can now resume, which includes tennis, golf and basketball. Organised sport, including organised exercise classes, can also now take place outdoors. Weddings can also resume today, however only six guests will be permitted to attend. People are still being told to 'work from home' and several businesses will remain closed. Boris Johnson stressed the importance of remaining cautious today, as he posted a video on Twitter. https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1376432836627083264 As coronavirus restrictions ease, the prime minister said today: "We must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout." "Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called," he continued. The well-known slogan 'Stay at home, Protect the NHS, Save lives' will be replaced by 'Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air.' The next set of restrictions, including the reopening of non-essential shops, hairdressers and beer gardens are set to be lifted on April 12th, as long as they meet the government's list of criteria for easing the roadmap.