Lockdown Loosened ...A Little

Country walks and back to work this week.. but confusion reigns

- Lpippa Crerar

People in England will be allowed more time and freedom outdoors from this week after Boris Johnson set out the first loosening of the lockdown restrictions.

But the Government’s plan has been met with confusion from the public, with many reacting online last night saying they are unsure what the Tories’ new “Stay alert” slogan means in practice.

And the PM’s loosening of the rules is at odds with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, whose leaders are sticking to tighter restrictions for the rest of this month, with only minimal tweaks to current regulations.

There will be no wider relaxation of rules in England until June. The Government stressed that its plan for the weeks ahead is “conditional” and could be changed at any time. In a televised address last night, the Prime Minister confirmed that, as a first step, we will be allowed to drive for country or beach walks and do unlimited exercise from Wednesday.

People can play sports outdoors with members of their households.

They can also sunbathe, sit and read a book or chat with one friend from outside their household in a park as long as they stay two metres apart.