Covid-19: 'Rule of six', outdoor sports - how the rules change in England

A swimmer makes the most of the new rulesImage source, TOLGA AKMEN
Image caption,

Outdoor swimming is just one of the activities people are allowed to do from April 12 - this lady was diving in first thing on Monday morning in London's Hyde Park.

The coronavirus lockdown rules are changing in England from today.

People will be allowed to meet outside, including gardens, in groups of six people - or more as long as it's kept to just two households.

Plus, the government's 'stay at home' message will end, but people will still be urged to stay local.

Outdoor sport facilities will re-open, including tennis and basketball courts, and people will be allowed to restart organised sports outdoors including football.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are outlining their own rules for lifting lockdown.

Image source, Dolgellau Cricket Club
Image caption,

Outdoor sports clubs like football and cricket can start up again in England too

More restrictions will be lifted from 12 April and then every five weeks - as long as the targets for beating coronavirus are met.

On 8 March, schools reopened and two people from different households in England were able to meet on a park bench for a coffee.

On Monday 29 March, this has changed so people can meet with up to six others outdoors.

Weddings will be allowed to take place again, but only with six people in attendance.

If the rate of coronavirus continues to drop as the government and scientists hope, then all shops will be allowed to reopen in England on 12 April.

Restaurants and pubs will be allowed to reopen to serve food and drink to people sitting outdoors.

Gyms and spas will be allowed to open and so too will zoos, theme parks and community centres.

As well as this, members of the same household will be allowed to take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation.

Image source, Getty Images
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Children in primary years 4-7 returned to school on 15 March

What's happening in Scotland?

In Scotland, outdoor mixing between four people from up to two households is already allowed, along with outdoor non-contact sports and organised group exercise.

From 2 April in Scotland, the "stay at home" message will end and become "stay local".

From 5 April, hairdressers can reopen for pre-booked appointments and more shops can open again.

Outdoor non-contact group sports for 12 to 17 year-olds can also resume from that date.

What's happening in Wales?

In Wales, the "stay at home" message has already changed to "stay local".

Four people from two households can already meet up outdoors to socialise, including gardens.

Outdoor sports facilities have reopened and hairdressers have reopened for appointments.

From 12 April, all shops will reopen and all pupils will return to schools.

What's happening in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, lockdown will continue until 1 April, when people will be allowed to meet up for exercise in groups up to 10 from two households.

Six people from two households will be allowed to meet in private gardens and outdoor sporting activities can resume.