All the rule changes coming into effect from next Monday

Next week will see yet more lockdown restrictions eased in England, as we creep gradually closer to April 12th.

From next Monday, March 29th, certain social restrictions will be relaxed, including limits on gatherings and outdoor sports.

This follows on from stage one of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, which saw schools reopen on March 8th, and people allowed to meet one other person outdoors.

Mike Peel / Wikimedia

March 29th will see the second part of stage one come into force, under which friends and families will be able to meet outdoors using the rule of six.

You’ll be able to meet up in limited numbers outdoors, which includes private gardens, as it’s harder for the virus to spread in these settings.

You can either meet up with a group of up to six people from different households, or alternatively people from just two different households will be able to meet in a larger group.

This will be allowed in all outdoor settings, although the government still warns people should follow social distancing guidance – especially those who haven’t been vaccinated.

Image by Robert Geisler from Pixabay

The government’s ‘stay at home’ guidance will also be replaced by the advice to ‘stay local’ – although it’s unclear what ‘local’ means specifically and how far people can travel.

On that note, travel will still be limited, with a ban on holidays for the time being and people being encouraged not to travel around the country.

Outdoor sports facilities like golf courses and tennis courts will be able to reopen, while organised outdoor sports like football can begin again for adults and children – these activities need to be organised, rather than large groups meeting in a park for a kick about.

As well as that, every child will be allowed to access outdoor childcare and supervised activities, while parent and child groups will be able to happen outdoors with a maximum 15 attendees – children under five don’t count towards this limit.