Here’s what you can and can't do under the new Covid rules
Can I have people in my garden? Can I go to the beach? Here are the answers to your questions
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
On Monday 29th March, the Government introduced the next step of its plan to ease lockdown restrictions just in time for the mini heatwave set to hit England this week.
Changes to restrictions mean that organised adult and children’s sport is back, as is the rule of six outside.
But what do the changes mean for you?
Here's what you can and can't do under the new measures:
Can I go to the beach?
You can go to the beach, but you cannot stay overnight. You should therefore only go to the beach if you can travel there and back in a day, in keeping with the Government’s stay local advice. The Government also advises that you should minimise travel where possible and avoid making unnecessary trips.
Can I meet other people at the beach or park?
Yes, you can meet up to six people from different households as long as it is in an outdoor setting.
Our family of six wants to meet another family of six- is this allowed?
More than six people can meet outdoors if they are made up of just two households. Therefore, if two families of six from two households want to meet in an outdoor setting, this is permitted.
What happens if I am in a support bubble?
You and your support bubble count as one household. This means that you and your support bubble can meet with another household outside, even if the group is more than six people.
Can I have people to my garden?
Yes, both the rule of six and the two household rule apply to private outdoor spaces, including gardens.
Can I use someone else’s toilet?
Yes, if necessary, you can enter someone’s house to use the bathroom. However in these instances, you should wear a face covering, maintain social distancing from anyone not in your bubble, wash your hands thoroughly and immediately return outside when you are finished.
Are informal games of five-aside football allowed?
Since this is informal and not organised sport, either the rule of six or the two household rule applies and therefore the game would only be permitted if the 10 players were from a maximum of two households. Six people could similarly meet for an informal kick about.
Can I take my child to a parents and children group?
These groups are now allowed outside for children under the age of five if they are organised by a business, charity or public body. Up to 15 parents can attend as children under the age of five and people working as part of these groups are not counted in this number.
Here's a reminder of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown:
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
On 29 March, the Government lifted the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
The "rule of six" was reintroduced alongside the the two household rule on 29 March.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people can gather together if they are from just two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts were permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, also resumed on 29 March.
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people are permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.