Everything you need to know on lockdown changes
The Rule of Six will be reintroduced outdoors and outdoor sport facilities will reopen
Last updated 29th Mar 2021
From Monday 29th March there's a few more things we will be able to do in England as lockdown begins to ease.
Measures will focus on relaxing more restrictions around social contact and will include the return of the 'Rule of Six' in an outdoor setting.
This marks the second part of stage one in the Government's four stage roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in England.
It comes after the first step of stage one was taken on 8th March when children returned to the classrooms, after school clubs reopened, care home visits were reintroduced and two people from different households could meet socially outdoors.
Larger Gatherings outdoors
From 29th March the "rule of six" will be re-introduced alongside the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends. For example, this means that two families of four who live in two households could meet up outside.
The move means people’s mental health could turn a corner being able to socialise again but a local mental health charity says some may be feeling anxious.
Jack Moore, Hull and East Yorkshire MIND, said:
“It’s going to be really difficult for people to be able to adjust to seeing people again but I think in relation to mental health, it’s going to be really positive. We as a charity know that social connections are massive in relation to how it makes us feel.
“There’s no pressure to be meeting up with people if you don’t want to. But as individuals we have a responsibility to reach out to others and re-assure them that things are going to get better.”
People in North Lincolnshire say they're excited to see people they haven't seen in months...
“I can’t wait to sit in the garden with all my friends, catch up, have a good laugh and have a few drinks.“
Another added: “I’m so pleased we can finally have six people round in the garden, you can see family and friends and it’ll be a nice change from seeing my husband day to day/”
"Stay at Home" becomes "Stay Local"
From 29th March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government's "Stay at Home" rule will end. However, many restrictions will remain in place and people will still be encouraged to stay local. People should continue to work from home where possible and overseas travel is still not permitted in the vast majority of cases.
Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including golf courses, tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29th March.
Christine Campbell-Moore, from Grimsby Tennis Centre, said:
“People rely on the fact that they need to get out and get fit. It’s being a long time in lockdown and people need to get out and start playing tennis, getting out and seeing one another especially mentally and physically, it’s what people need.”
From HIIT, BODYCOMBAT to Kettlercise, BODYBALANCE and Zumba, East Riding of Yorkshire Leisure centres have organised a range of classes, excluding South Holderness and Withernsea.
Leanne Mills, fitness co-ordinator, East Riding of Yorkshire leisure centres, said:
People have changed the way they train. We’ve tried different bits and pieces in the gaps we’ve being allowed but now we’ve got a map ahead where all of our different sites are offering things to all of our members. There will be a range of classes, it will be nice to get together socially distanced. We’ve done a risk assessment for all of our sites.”
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from 29th March.
When might other restrictions be lifted?
From 12th April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
From 12th April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12th April.