Friends and families will be reunited and team sports will resume in a major easing of England’s Covid-19 lockdown to allow far greater freedom outdoors.
Groups of up to six, or two households, can socialise in parks and gardens, while outdoor sports facilities can reopen after the stay-at-home order ended on Monday.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson stressed that people "must remain cautious", with cases rising across Europe and new variants threatening our vaccine rollout, while warm weather was excepted to accompany the relaxation.
“Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called,” the Mr Johnson added.
He is expected to urge the public to take personal responsibility by sticking to the restrictions as he holds a Downing Street press conference.
Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen after months of being shuttered.
Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning grassroots competitions can take place ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.
Restrictions were eased as official figures showed more than 30 million people in the UK have received a first vaccine dose, accounting for about 57 per cent of all adults.
Mr Johnson said he hopes the easing will “kick-start a Great British summer of sport” as sports stars teamed up with the UK government to encourage a return to physical activity.
A new slogan was also unveiled to stress the importance of ventilation in reducing the spread of the virus: “Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air.”
⚽️🏀🏉 Let's get back to sport 🏑🏏🎾
From 29 March, outdoor grassroots sport for adults and children can return.
Full guidance here 👇https://t.co/X7X4aF1xJr@DCMS | #ReturnToPlay pic.twitter.com/n2xzDAIZT0Advertisement— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 28, 2021
A public information campaign warns against the dangers of gathering indoors, with a psychologist giving advice on how to deal with friends and family who suggest breaking the rules, saying people may need to be “firm” and give “gentle reminders” about distancing.
UK health secretary Matt Hancock said the progress of the vaccine roll-out “must be protected”, adding “when you meet others do so outdoors and keep a safe distance”.
Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty added: “The evidence is very clear that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors. It is important to remember this as we move into the next phase.”
Mr Johnson has warned that a spike in cases could be seen as parts of Europe are struck by a third wave of infections but hopes the vaccine roll-out will suppress hospitalisations and deaths.
In Wales, the “stay local” order ended on Saturday and people were allowed to stay in self-contained holiday accommodation.
The stay home order in Scotland is to end on Friday, while in Northern Ireland up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outdoors from Thursday.
It is the second major easing of England’s lockdown imposed in early January, with schools having been reopened to all pupils on March 8.
While greater outdoor freedoms are now permitted, the Government is still advising people to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys they take.
The next step in the roadmap to easing England’s lockdown is April 12, which is earmarked for non-essential shops to reopen and for outdoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants.
