Newark and Sherwood: Groups of up to six can meet outside, people can travel to see their friends and families, with outdoor sports finally resuming as the next stage of lifting lockdown begins

Many will feel a sense of relief and freedom today as the next major stage of lifting lockdown begins.

People are now allowed to meet in groups of up to six outside and travel to see their friends and families, with outdoor sports finally resuming.

The Stay At Home message ended overnight but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the country must remain cautious, with coronavirus cases rising across Europe and new variants affecting the covid-19 vaccine roll-out.

Lifting lockdown on Monday, March 29:

• Groups of up to six people, or two households, can socialise in parks and gardens

• Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools can re-open

• Golf courses and sailing clubs can re-open

• Organised team sports can resume outdoors

• People should still work from home if possible and minimise their journeys
• The Stay At Home message is being replaced with a Stay Local instruction (people are still at liberty to travel across the country to see friends and relatives)

Mr Johnson called for the public to participate in a fitness drive, with children recommended to aim for an hour of physical activity a day, and adults at least 150 minutes.

He also announced a new Office for Health Promotion to tackle obesity and poor mental health as the nation recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Johnson said: "I know how much people have missed the camaraderie and competition of organised sport, and how difficult it has been to restrict physical activities — especially for children.

"So as teams return to outdoor pitches, courts, parks and fields, I hope today will kickstart a Great British summer of sport — with people of all ages reunited with teammates, and able to resume the activities they love.

"I know many will welcome the increased social contact, with groups of six or two households now also able to meet outdoors."