A taste of freedom as lockdown eases again

FRIENDS and families will be reunited and team sports will resume today in a major easing of England’s lockdown to allow far greater freedom outdoors.

Groups of up to six, or two households, are able to socialise in parks and gardens once more as outdoor sports facilities reopen and the stay-at-home order ends.

Boris Johnson said he hopes the easing will “kick-start a Great British summer of sport” as sports stars teamed up with the Government to encourage a return to physical activity.

Football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs are now free to reopen after months of being shuttered.

Organised team sports can also resume outdoors, meaning tht grassroots competitions can resume ahead of the Easter break without the need for social distancing.

The Prime Minister said: “I know how much people have missed the camaraderie and competition of organised sport, and how difficult it has been to restrict physical activities – especially for children.

“But we must remain cautious.

“Despite today’s easements, everyone must continue to stick to the rules, remember hands, face, space, and come forward for a vaccine when called.”

Mr Johnson has previously warned that a spike in cases could be seen as parts of Europe are struck by a third wave of infections but hopes the vaccine roll-out will suppress the number of hospitalisations and deaths.