WE MEET AGAIN!
SUN COMES OUT FOR RETURN TO THE RULE OF SIX:
VISITORS to a popular Nottingham beauty spot were out enjoying the sunny spring weather on the first day of the rule of six returning.
The coronavirus “stay at home” rule has officially ended, as lockdown restrictions continue to be eased.
The rule of six has returned and outdoor gatherings, including in private gardens, can take place with up to six people from any number of households, or any number from two households.
Outdoor sports like tennis, basketball and golf can resume.
Open-air swimming pools are also allowed to open.
The relaxation of the rules forms the final part of step one of the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown - and follows schools reopening on March 8.
But non-essential personal care businesses like hairdressers and nail salons remain closed for now, as do gyms, zoos, theme parks and pubs.
The Victoria Embankment was not packed with visitors yesterday, but there were some groups gathered enjoying picnics and others having bike rides or walks as a sense of normality begins to return following lockdown. Third-year students at Nottingham Trent University Bethan Mash, 20, Emily Finlayson, 19, Matilda Cope, 20 and Rachel Paterson, 21, all of the same West Bridgford house, said the restrictions easing were a huge boost to their mental health but also their social lives.
Matilda said: “It’s been hard having to live and study for a degree in the same place.
“Normally we’d be at the library or out of the house going to lectures. It has been hard as students.
“It’s really good for us being able to meet up with more people now and it’s nice to be out enjoying the weather.”
Married couple Jane and Dennis Aston, 60 and 61, of The Meadows, said “a greater sense of normality” was returning
“It’s really nice news,” said Jane. “We’ve walked here the whole time during Covid and it’s been a god-send.
“We are looking forward to meeting our grandkids in our garden again. We’ve got nice plans for Easter.”
I’m glad things aren’t moving too quickly. This has to be the last lockdown.
Susan Jay
Susan Jay, 40, of The Meadows, said: “I’m glad things aren’t moving too quickly.
“This has to be the last lockdown. I don’t think people will listen anymore.
“It’s nice today and tomorrow so I imagine it will get busy. “Not opening too quickly is key.” In the second step of the roadmap, which will come into effect on April 12 at the earliest, non-essential retailers can re-open.
For pubs, in step two hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outside, with no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew.
And in step three of the roadmap, on May 17 at the earliest, people will be able to meet indoors - again adhering to the rule of six or two households.