Outdoor markets and car dealerships are able to re-open fully from today as part of government plans to ease lockdown rules in England.

Epping market in Essex is among those welcoming back shoppers this morning.

Most other shops must wait two more weeks, until 15 June, to open.

In other changes, groups of up to six people from different households can meet in private gardens or parks.

Meanwhile, those who have been asked to stay at home and shield because of health conditions, will also be able to spend some time outdoors again, while observing social distancing.

• A practical guide to how to socialise amid new rules

• The Northampton Chronicle and Echo reports, external that a community support group has seen its membership swell from three to 80 during lockdown
• The Chron also writes, external that the number of local people claiming unemployment benefits has risen by 1.7%
• Meanwhile, the Northamptonshire Telegraph, external says Kettering General Hospital is still treating about 100 coronavirus patients

Elite sport can resume in England from today, provided that it does so behind closed doors.

Horse racing will be one of the first sports to benefit from the relaxation, with Newmarket Racecourses, external to host the Guineas Festival this weekend.

Charlie Fellows, a trainer based in Newmarket, said it was a chance to "showcase" the sport.

"We've not seen racing in this country now for just short of three months. There is a huge amount of relief," he said.

Traditionally run on the first weekend in May, this year's rescheduled 2,000 Guineas on Saturday is the first of the flat racing season’s five "classics", followed by the 1,000 Guineas the day after.

BBC Radio Suffolk

The headmaster of a primary school on the Essex/Suffolk border says there is an "air of excitement" as some children return to lessons this morning.

Littlegarth, external private prep school in Nayland says around three quarters of its reception, year one and year six pupils are going back to school.

Headmaster Peter Jones said there was a "different" but positive feeling around the school.

"An awful lot of work has gone in to comply [with coronavirus regulations]," he said.

"The key thing is doing all we can to make sure the children abide by the rules of cleanliness... and that we reinforce that by leading by example."

Group founder Steve Maples says they "want to give something back to the community".

League Two clubs Colchester United and Northampton Town are to return to training today, after their players and staff were tested for coronavirus.

Colchester said four people tested positive at their club, while Northampton confirmed their physiotherapist Ignacio Herrando was their only positive test.

The Cobblers said Herrando was "asymptomatic and feeling no ill effects".

The clubs - along with league rivals Exeter and Cheltenham - are expected to compete in promotion play-offs later this month, subject to EFL ratification.

Image source, Steve Daniels / Geograph

The group, based in England's most deprived area, says many people have phoned them up "crying".

A couple whose IVF treatment was delayed say struggling to start a family has been "heart-wrenching".

Katy Lewis
BBC News Online

Members of the Bangladesh Caterers Association have delivered 1,000 free meals to Watford General Hospital for NHS staff.

Image source, Bangladesh Caterers Association

Joint secretary for the Eastern region, Safwaan Choudhury, 23, said the organisation had been inspired by Watford Football Club, who had turned their Vicarage Road Stadium into a sanctuary to support hospital staff and when he contacted his fellow restaurateurs, they were "more than happy to help".

"From the beginning of the situation we find ourselves in, Bangladeshi restaurant and takeaway owners up and down the country have extended their support for the community and have continued to provide the UK with its favourite cuisine: curry," he said.

"At the same time, they have been looking after those who look after us – the NHS."

Image source, Bangladesh Caterers Association

Primary schools in England are beginning to bring back more pupils from today.

Children in Reception, Years 1 and 6 are able to return, with many having been out of school for 10 weeks.

But there is a very mixed local picture in how schools are reopening, and in some areas schools will remain shut.

• Coronavirus: Some primary schools reopen as parents remain wary

The Championship will restart on 20 June, more than three months after it was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest number of new daily coronavirus deaths, external has been released by the government.

In the East of England, they show an increase of 25 deaths in hospitals, taking the total number to 3,659. The new deaths have been recorded at the following NHS trusts:

• Basildon and Thurrock: 1
• Bedford Hospital: 5
• East and North Hertfordshire: 6
• East Suffolk and North Essex (Ipswich and Colchester hospitals): 1
• Luton and Dunstable: 8
• North West Anglia (Peterborough and Hinchingbrooke hospitals): 2
• Northampton General: 1
• West Hertfordshire Hospitals: 1

The total number of UK deaths associated with Covid-19 stands at 38,489.

Kris Holland
BBC News

We will be bringing you all the latest coronavirus news from across the East of England - from the latest statistics to how key workers and our communities are coping.

If you have a story you wish to share - good or bad - please contact BBC News Online (East).

Is social distancing still being maintained now more and more people are venturing outdoors?

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