Outdoor socialising will return in March.
England’s roadmap out of lockdown will be revealed later today, but several significant opening steps have already been unveiled. Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi confirmed that the first set of restrictions would be eased on March 8 & 29, allowing the likes of outdoor socialising and sport to resume.
March 8 will see one-on-one outdoor socialising permitted (i.e. sitting on a park bench or having a picnic), but the March 29 date is likely to offer greater opportunities for socialising. On this date, Zahawi confirmed, two households or a group of six people (in a return of the Rule of Six) will be permitted to meet up outdoors. This will allow you to meet at the local park, for instance – further clarity on whether this will extend to private gardens could follow later today.
Indeed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be unveiling England’s lockdown ‘roadmap’ at 3:30pm today, when he informs the House of Commons of the steps the nation will be taking out of lockdown. We’ll bring you the news from that as soon as the announcements start, and the PM will also make a televised address to the nation at 7pm to lay out the steps to the public and take questions. Keep an eye on our website and social channels this afternoon for the latest updates.