Friends and families will be allowed to meet again and team sports will resume as England’s lockdown is eased today to allow greater freedom outdoors.
The stay-at-home order ends and groups of up to six, or two households, will be able to socialise in parks and gardens once more as outdoor sports facilities reopen.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he hopes the easing will “kick-start a Great British summer of sport” as sports stars teamed up with the Government to encourage a return to physical activity.
Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen after months of being shuttered.
Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning grassroots competitions can resume ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.
(Image: Phil Harris)
Mr Johnson said: “I know how much people have missed the camaraderie and competition of organised sport, and how difficult it has been to restrict physical activities – especially for children.
“But we must remain cautious, with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout.
“Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called.”
The Prime Minister has warned that a spike in cases could be seen as parts of Europe are struck by a third wave of infections but hopes the vaccine roll-out will suppress hospitalisations and deaths in the UK.
(Image: Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)
Mr Johnson has sought to lose weight after his own hospitalisation with Covid-19 and the Government is now calling for the public to participate in a fitness drive, with children recommended to aim for an hour of physical activity a day, and adults for at least 150 minutes.
England World Cup-winning cricket captain Eoin Morgan said: “With summer – and the cricket season – just around the corner, there’s no better time for everyone, young and old, to get back to having fun by getting outdoors, being active and playing sport.”
British number one women’s tennis player Johanna Konta said: “I’m so happy people in England are now able to get back on court and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of tennis.”
England Rugby Union prop Kyle Sinckler added: “I can’t wait to see you guys get out there, and all the kids getting back out there to enjoy themselves.”
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
The fitness drive comes after the latest figures showed more than 150,000 deaths involving coronavirus have been recorded in the UK.
In Wales, the “stay local” order ended on Saturday and people were allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation.
The stay home order in Scotland is to end on Friday, while in Northern Ireland up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outdoors from Thursday.
It is the second major easing of England’s lockdown imposed in early January, with schools having been reopened to all pupils on March 8.
While greater outdoor freedoms are now permitted, the Government is still advising people to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they take.
The next step in the roadmap to easing the lockdown is April 12, which is earmarked for non-essential shops to reopen and for outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.