THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE FOUR NATIONS

WALES:

From today, there are three “modest” changes to the lockdown rules.

They allow:

■ People to exercise locally – without driving anywhere – more than once a day;

■ Garden centres to reopen if they are able to put two-metre social distancing rules in place; and,

■ Local authorities to consider how to safely reopen libraries and recycling centres.

People are urged to stay home and to follow social distancing rules if they do go outside.

The 120,000 people in Wales who are shielding should continue to do so, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said.

SCOTLAND:

Like Wales, the message is “Stay Home, Save Lives.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that from today Scots will be allowed to exercise as many times as they like each day, instead of the previous once-per-day restriction.

“If you want to go for a walk more often, or to go for a run and also a walk later on in the day, then you can now do so.”

The First Minister added that the extension did not apply to those who have symptoms or are living with someone who is showing symptoms, or those who are in the shielding group.

Ms Sturgeon said it was to be used for exercise only and should not be used for “sunbathing, picnics or barbecues”.

She stressed, however, that lockdown measures still remain in place and social distancing and hygiene guidance should continue to be adhered to.

NORTHERN IRELAND:

Again the message is “Stay Home, Save Lives.” First Minister Arlene Foster said any changes made to the region’s lockdown measures following Mr Johnson’s announcement will be nuanced. They are due to be announced this week.

ENGLAND:

The message now is “Stay Alert” but Boris Johnson has insisted the lockdown remains firmly in place

From today , the Prime Minister has given the go-ahead for additional businesses to reopen and workers to resume their roles.

He said last night: “Anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction and manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work. We want it to be safe for you to get to work.

“So you should avoid public transport if at all possible, because we must and will maintain social distancing, and capacity will therefore be limited.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Saturday that even with England’s public transport network running at full capacity it could only safely cater for 10% of the usual passenger load with the two-metre social distancing rule in place.

From Wednesday people can take “unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise”.

The Prime Minister said: “You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household.”