Hopes for mental health boost in South Yorkshire as lockdown eased
We're allowed to meet six people outside from today
It's hoped the easing of lockdown rules will boost South Yorkshire's mental health after a long winter in lockdown.
From today gatherings of six people are allowed outside and the 'stay home' message is being scrapped.
Outdoor sports facilities are reopening too - like tennis courts and golf courses.
We've been asking you what you make to the new rules:
"I can't wait, you'll be able to see your family, friends, go out for a coffee. Catch up basically!"
"I'm looking forward to it - with the weather changing. I haven't been able to spend any time with my in-laws in months. I've been having to shield so that's been really difficult and working from home's been really isolating. Bring on summer, or at least the spring!"
"I've just booked Chatsworth for next week because I know I'll be able to go out!"
"A lot of people have had their injections by now -I think it's perfectly acceptable for people to walk around in the open air. It's going to be beneficial."
Larger group gatherings outdoors
From 29th March the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the 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.
"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.
Organised sport for adults and children
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from 29th March.
Weddings with six people
Weddings attended by 6 people are allowed from 29th March. The number of guests allowed at weddings will increase as we move further through the roadmap.
And support services are hoping the easing will have a positive impact on people's mental health too.
Sheffield Mind set up a special helpline during the first lockdown and have had lots of calls from people suffering with isolation this winter.
CEO Margaret Lewis is hoping the reaxed rules will help:
"There are huge benefits from being around people - talking, listening and I think being with people helps us keep things in perspective. Even if we've kept in touch via Zoom and phone it's difficult isn't it, just being able to meet people in person.
"We've all done very well with screens and phones but I don't think anything beats seeing people face-to-face and particularly at this time of year. Because it's spring and we do naturally start to feel a bit more hopeful about things.
"Even people who perhaps are quite socially isolated and maybe they're not part of a group of six that can meet up, just to feel that they can perhaps get out, that that's now allowed - they can get a sense that we're returning to normailty."
But Margaret says some people will still be anxious about going out after a winter of lockdown and the virus still circulating in the community:
"I think there's a lot of work to be done with people just listening to their concerns, listening to their fears and just gently challenging some of the myths spreading on social media about the vaccine and about Covid-19."
The next easing of restrictions could come on 12th April when it's hoped indoor hospitality and non-essential shops will reopen.
12th April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12th April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12th April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12th April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12th April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12th April.
17th May: Indoor mixing
From 17th May 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.
17th May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17th May.
17th May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17th May.
21st June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21st 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.
21st June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21st June.