These are the new rules about going to the beach in lockdown
Some lockdown restrictions have begun to be eased in England as part of phased plans to reopen shops, restaurants, pubs and get kids back to schools.
With another bank holiday approaching, here’s what you need to know about what you can and can’t do.
In England, driving to outdoor open spaces, beaches or beauty spots with members of the same household is allowed, as is travelling to the countryside.
This rule does not apply in other parts of the UK.
Members of the public are allowed to swim in the sea or lakes, but the two-metre distancing rule has to be observed outside of your family unit.
However, swimming in a public pool, either indoors or outdoors, using a playground or an outdoor gym, and exercising in indoor leisure centres or facilities is prohibited.
The guidelines say you can only exercise with up to one person from outside your household - this means you should not play team sports, except with members of your own household.
There are still regulations in place against going on holiday or staying overnight at a holiday home or second home.
People who live in England have also been warned against travelling to other parts of the UK.
The government’s guidelines state: “When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration.”
The strategy says: “SAGE advises that the risk of infection outside is significantly lower than inside.”
The government is therefore updating the rules so that, as well as exercise, people can now also spend time outdoors subject to:
Not meeting up with any more than one person from outside your household; Continued compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain two metres away from people outside your household; Good hand hygiene, particularly with respect to shared surfaces.
Those responsible for public places putting appropriate measures in place to follow new guidance.