Lockdown: Groups of up to six can meet in gardens from next week, Boris Johnson says

People will be able to meet with up to six friends and family members in gardens and other private outdoor spaces in England from next week, Boris Johnson has said.

Announcing plans to begin easing the lockdown, the prime minister said small groups would permitted to gather outside from Monday, as long as social distancing rules were maintained.

Mr Johnson said "limited and cautious" changes were being made to the restrictions prevent a fresh surge in infection rates - and insisted everything would be kept under review.

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