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9 things you can now do under lockdown rules - and 8 things you can't

CHEW MAGNA,  - MAY 13: One way signs on the Grebe Trail on May 13, 2020 in Chew Valley Lake, Somerset, England. The prime minister announced the general contours of a phased exit from the current lockdown, adopted nearly two months ago in an effort curb the spread of Covid-19. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Now the rules have changed, what can and can't you do during the latest stage of lockdown? (Getty Images)

As England moves into the latest stage of the coronavirus lockdown, people are returning to work and enjoying greater freedoms on what they can and can’t do.

Changes to lockdown restrictions, announced by Boris Johnson on Sunday, have been criticised by some as confusing.

But the PM has rejected the suggestion that his rules are unclear and praised Britons’ “common sense” during prime minister’s questions (PMQs) on Wednesday.

He said: “All those who talk about confusion or mixed messages are grossly overstating the position. The common sense of the British people is shining through this argument.

“They can see where we want to go, they can see where we need to go.”

Here is a simple guide on what people in England are and aren’t allowed to do under the latest restrictions.

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What can I do now under lockdown?

  1. Under the government’s latest lockdown rules, people in England can spend time outdoors, including exercise, with one person who is not in your household as long as you stay two metres apart.

  2. You can now exercise more than once a day, whereas previous rules limited people to just going out for exercise once.

  3. You can go for a picnic, to sunbathe or relax and read a book, though many parks’ play areas remain closed.

  4. Under new rules covering England, people can spend time at sports courts, including outdoor tennis, basketball courts and golf courses.

  5. People can go fishing on their own, with their household, or with one other person but you still have to stick to social distancing rules.

  6. Under the latest rules, you can drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance but you have to go in a private vehicle and you have to be alone or with members of your own household.

  7. You can now travel to beaches and beauty spots but you’ll have to check if things like car parks are open for visitors.

  8. You can travel to the countryside but you have to make sure you stick to the Countryside Code.

  9. The new rules say you can swim in lakes or the sea as part of daily exercise, but again you have to observe social distancing.

Social distancing markers subdivide the aisle space of a branch of supermarket chain Sainsbury's in the Bayswater district of London, England, on May 13, 2020. Today marked the first day of several eased restrictions across England as a slow loosening of the coronavirus lockdown gets underway, with people now encouraged to return to work if unable to do so from home and unlimited outdoor exercise now allowed. Non-essential shops will not be permitted to reopen before at least June 1, however, and the hospitality sector is to remain closed until at least July 4. With those closure orders still in place, much of central London, which is mostly comprised of retail and hospitality venues, remained largely as deserted today as it has been in recent weeks. (Photo by David Cliff/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
There are various things you can now do, but social distancing has to remain in place. (Getty Images)

What can I still not do under lockdown changes?

Despite the changes, you still can’t:

  1. Go on holiday.

  2. Visit and stay overnight at a holiday home or second home.

  3. Visit the homes of friends and family, unless you’re helping a vulnerable person, you’re there for medical reasons, or you’re taking a child to another household with whom parental responsibilities are shared.

  4. Gather with more than one member of another household for recreational reasons e.g. to play group sports.

  5. Swim in a public pool.

  6. Use a playground or outdoor gym.

  7. Exercise in a gym, swimming pool, indoor leisure centre or indoor fitness studio.

  8. Visit a private or ticketed attraction.

“Stay at home” advice remains in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with some regional variances.

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