BRITS won’t be limited to “stay local” rules when lockdown is lifted today – as ministers confirmed there would be no restrictions on the distance people can travel.
Today lockdown rules are relaxed across England – with people allowed to meet outside in groups of six, outdoor sport allowed again and the stay at home message officially canned.
Parent and child groups can take place outdoors too – along with organised sports.
It was expected that the strict lockdown message would be replaced by a “stay local” order – though there was not set to be a strict limit on the number of miles that people are allowed to go.
However, this has been quietly dropped and people will face no limits on how far they can go.
People will be urged to minimise filling up their petrol and stopping at service stations when possible.
On minimising travel, minister Nigel Huddleston said today there were no restrictions on distance but insisted “this is not a free for all”.
He told Good Morning Britain: “It means trying to be sensible about when you’re travelling – this is not a free for all yet, this is a slow and steady removal of restrictions.
“We want people to be careful (when they travel) if you do travel you have to meet them outside – no overnight stays yet.
“There’s no restriction in terms of how far you travel – it would be unfair if we put a cap.
“We do rely on the common sense of the British public in this. You can go and visit a loved one but we are not saying, day after day doing that and stopping off at petrol stations and shops.”
Government sources said there was an understanding that people would go and see friends and family after so many weeks in lockdown.
It came as:
- Brits made the most of their newfound freedoms today and hit golf courses, swimming pools and parks to exercise
- Cops said they won’t break up big groups in gardens as the rule of six returns today – and will only focus on large gatherings breaking the rules
- It was confirmed people are allowed to go to the beach this week as the stay at home order is lifted
- The PM will give a press conference tonight and urge people to still be careful
- Holidays abroad remain up in the air, with no announcement due until next week
- Hugs are still banned as scientists warned people to stay socially distant
Boris wished the best of luck to “the young and not so young people” returning to sports fields.
He said: “I know how hard it has been to be separated from your team-mates, your coaches and the sports that you love.
“I love sport — and I’m hopeless at it — but I can only imagine how excited you will be to be getting back out there.”
