Lockdown rules UK: latest advice on exercise, social distancing and visiting family as government relax guidance

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a number of changes to current measures in a national address on Sunday (10 May), unveiling a “road map for reopening society”.

However, the new guidance only applies in England, as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are adopting their own approach to the next phase of lockdown.

This is the latest advice on lockdown rules across the UK.

What is the advice on exercise?

As of Wednesday (11 May), people in England are being encouraged to take unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise and play sports, but only with members of their household.

Visiting and sunbathing in local parks will also be allowed, along with outdoor picnics, providing social distancing guidelines are followed.

Driving to other destinations for day trips will also be allowed.

Scotland also abandoned its cap on daily exercise on Monday (11 May), but Scots have been warned against meeting up in groups at parks or beaches, and to avoid sunbathing, picnics and barbecues.

Going outside to exercise more than once a day is now allowed in Wales, but should still be done locally and not a significant distance from the home, while people in Northern Ireland can travel up to five kilometres from their home to exercise.

Those who have been staying at home under all circumstances can also leave their homes for exercise or a drive, providing they avoid contact with other people.

Phase one of easing lockdown in Northern Ireland will also see outdoor spaces and public sports amenities reopen.

What is the advice on travel?

Driving to parks or beaches, and travelling to destinations for day trips, within England is permitted as of Wednesday (13 May).

However, this is only allowed with members of your own household and social distancing rules should be maintained while outdoors.

People are not allowed to cross the border to Wales or Scotland for leisure activities if different restrictions are in force.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, travel is allowed for exercise, but this should ideally be done close to the home and all unnecessary travel should be avoided.

What is the advice on social distancing and visiting family?

Social distancing guidance is still in force across the UK, with people advised to stay two metres apart from each other.

In England, people can meet one person from another household in a public place as of Wednesday (13 May), providing they maintain a two metre distance.

This means that visiting the homes of family and friends is still not allowed.

In Scotland, the ‘stay at home’ message still remains, meaning people should not leave their households to visit family members or friends.

Scots have also been urged to wear a face covering, such as a scarf or homemade mask, in busy places where maintaining social distancing is difficult, including on public transport and in supermarkets.

In Wales, the current advice on social distancing and visiting family remains the same, with the only changes being the increase in the amount of exercise and the reopening of garden centres.

Northern Ireland is allowing groups of between four and six people who do not share a household to meet up outdoors, while maintaining social distancing.

Visits to immediate family indoors will be allowed, provided social distancing is adhered to, with the exception of those who are shielding.