Lockdown Easing: Outdoor meet-ups and sports are resuming in England

Outdoor meet-ups and sports are to resume in England on Monday morning, as we move into the next phase of lockdown restrictions easing. This means two households or groups of up to six people are now able to meet outside again and the stay-at-home Covid restrictions order comes to an end.

From today, outdoor facilities including tennis courts and golf courses are also reopening, and organised sports can resume. Weddings will also be permissible again, with an attendance of up to 6 people. Another 19 deaths of people within 28 days of a positive Covid test were recorded on Sunday, compared with 33 on the same day last week, along with a further 3,862 cases.

The latest government figures show 423,852 UK adults received a first dose of the vaccine on Saturday, taking the overall number to 30,151,287 - with 233,964 having their second dose, bringing that total to 3,527,481.

Contrary to this, cases on the continent are continuing to rise and there is a worry from the government that this could hinder the vaccination roll-out.

"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 said. A new slogan - Hands, Face, Space, and Fresh Air - was also being unveiled by the government to emphasise the importance of ventilation in reducing the spread of the virus.

Prof Chris Whitty, the UK's chief medical officer, said: "The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors. It is important to remember this as we move into the next phase."

The next stage in the relaxation of the rules will take place no earlier than 12 April with the non-essential retail reopening, and restaurants and pubs allowed to serve outdoors.