New rules from March 29 - what you can and can't do

Under step one of Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, from March 29 people will be allowed to meet outdoors in groups of six - or as two households if that number exceeds six.

On March 8, pupils returned to the classroom for the first time this year and groups of two were able to meet up socially.

Care home visits also resumed indoors with residents able to hold hands with visitors.

But, what else is on the cards from March 29 and what freedoms will we have to wait a little bit longer to enjoy again?

Can I see my family?

Easter: Rules are set to ease somewhat

Outdoor Easter celebrations should be allowed for families, but this will be limited to the 'rule of six' - or two households, whichever is greater.

This includes private gardens.

This means you'll be able to get together with your loved ones in time for Easter.

Can I hug my grandparents?

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As it stands, you won't be able to hug your grandparents just yet, because social distancing rules will still be in force at this stage.

If you can't stay 2m away, you can stay '1m plus' apart - the 'plus' means doing something else to limit exposure where possible, like wearing a face covering.

However, the roadmap out of lockdown states people who are eligible to form a support bubble can still do this, "enabling close contact for many of those in most need of support and will continue to be counted as part of the same household".

The Government document stresses it is critical, while the majority of the population is unprotected by vaccines, that people continue to follow the rules.

What about sport?

What 'Stay Local' will mean for Essex as restrictions are lifted before Easter

If you fancy meeting up with your friends for some exercise, outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis and basketball courts and golf courses, will be allowed to reopen.

Footy fans will be pleased to hear grassroots football will be able to resume.

Swimmers should be able to dive back into their sport, because swimming pools will reopen.

Childcare

All children will be able to access any outdoor childcare and supervised activities, according to the Government's plan.

Parent and child groups can also take place outdoors with a limit of 15 attendees.

Children under five-years-old don't count towards the attendee limit.

The Government's document stresses children will still only be able to attend indoor childcare or supervised activities if it allows "parents or carers to work, seek work, attend education, seek medical attention or attend a support group".

Travel

Stock image of an aeroplane taking off

The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on March 29 and is expected to change to 'stay local'.

However, holidaymakers shouldn't start packing their bags just yet, because the rules state travelling abroad for holidays will not be allowed for most of us at Easter time.

The roadmap out of lockdown states since March 8 "outbound travellers are legally obliged to provide their reason for travel on the Declaration to Travel form".

The Government will review if international travel will get the green light by May 17 at the earliest.

This will hinge on various factors, such as any new variants and the speed of the vaccine rollout in the UK and abroad.

Work

The guidance states people should continue to work from home where they can.

As it stands, employees could continue to work from home until June 21 at the earliest - when there are no legal limits on social contact.

So now may be the time to make those much-needed improvements to your home office.

Weddings and funerals

Couples are still allowed to tie the knot, but they'll have to think long and hard about their exclusive guest list.

The rules state that only "six attendees" can be present on the big day.

For funerals, 30 people can attend and six loved ones can go to a wake.

What will happen next?

April 12 - For step two, non-essential shops, personal care premises and public buildings will be allowed to reopen by April 12 at the earliest.

Outdoor attractions and settings can also reopen, including hospitality, zoos and theme parks.

The Government will make an announcement a week ahead of this stage to ensure it is safe to progress.

May 17 - Friends and family will be allowed to meet indoors again, but this will be subject to the rule of six or two households.

Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers indoors, concert halls, theatres and sports stadiums should be allowed to reopen.

June 21 - All legal limits on social contact can be removed and nightclubs can reopen as part of the fourth and final step of the roadmap.