What you CAN do now as the restrictions lift – but use your common sense

THE “stay at home” rule ended on Monday and there are changes to restrictions on social contact and outdoor activities.

However, many restrictions remain in place and the rates in Charnwood are still above the national average.

People are urged to continue to follow the guidance, use common sense and socially distance from other households.

Rob Mitchell, chief executive at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “There is light at the end of the tunnel and these new steps offer ways to meet up with friends and family in limited numbers outdoors, where it is less likely for the virus to spread.

“I would like to thank everyone for all their efforts to control the virus, we have done well but need to continue to follow the restrictions, be sensible and keep everyone safe.”

Changes to restrictions from March 29 include:

You can meet outdoors (including in private gardens) either in a group of six (including people from any number of households, of any age), or in a group of any size from up to two households (each household can include existing support bubbles).

You can take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people (outdoor sports venues and facilities can reopen).

Childcare and supervised activities are allowed outdoors for all children.

Formally organised parent and child groups can take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under five are not be counted in this number.

People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

In terms of the council’s sporting facilities, some are now open for bookings.

A council spokesperson said: “Our tennis courts, outdoor gyms, multi-use game areas and football pitches will reopen on Monday, March 29 in line with the Government roadmap.

“Shelthorpe Golf Course will also reopen from Monday, March 29 and we will also be introducing the option to pay via a card payment machine for sessions.

“More information on the council’s sports grounds and facilities can be found at

https://www.charnwood. gov.uk/pages/ sportsgrounds

“Outdoor group exercise will start at Soar Valley in Mountsorrel from Monday, March 29.”

For more information about the Roadmap out of lockdown, visit:

gov.uk/covid-19-responsespring2021-summary

There is light at the end of the tunnel and these new steps offer ways to meet up with friends and family

Rob Mitchell