A group of up to six people will be able to meet outdoors in the United Kingdom from Monday, June 1, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson eased lockdown restrictions.
People will be able to meet up either in parks and public spaces, or in private gardens, with the PM insisting there is ‘no difference in health risk’.
Speaking at the daily coronavirus update in Downing Street on Thursday, May 28, Mr Johnson said: “I know the toll the lockdown has taken on families and friends who have been unable to see each other.
“So from Monday, we will allow up to six people to meet outside, provided those from different households continue strictly to observe social distancing rules by staying 2m apart.
“These changes mean that friends and family can start to meet their loved ones, perhaps seeing both parents at once or both grandparents at once.
“I know that for many people, this will be a long awaited and joyful moment.
“But I must stress that to contol the virus, everyone needs to stay alert, act responsibly, strictly observe social distancing rules and stay 2m apart from those you do not live with.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the party supports the gradual easing of some lockdown restrictions if it is safe.
In Scotland, people from two different households can meet outdoors at a distance from Friday , and in Wales people from two different households will be able to meet outside from Monday .
In Northern Ireland, outdoor weddings with 10 people present may be allowed from 8 June .
Prof Chris Whitty, the UK government’s chief medical adviser, told the briefing it was “essential” that people continue to social distance and wash their hands.
“If someone was to go into the loo because they had to do that, it’s absolutely critical that they wipe everything down, wash their hands all the way through”, he said.
“If you were to do something like a barbecue, remember that passing things from one person to another, if you haven’t washed your hands, you can pass the virus that way.”
Mr Johnson said that, despite the slight relaxation of rules on meeting people outside, those in England deemed most vulnerable to Covid-19 should continue to shield themselves for now.
He told those who are shielding that ministers were “looking carefully at how we can make your life easier” and hope to “say more on that soon”.
The prime minister warned “there will be further local outbreaks” and said the government would reintroduce measures where required, but pledged people who lose income as a result of local lockdowns “will be helped”.
