What you can – and can’t – do as England steps out of lockdown on Happy Monday

England will wake up to the first major relaxation of its January lockdown rules today.

As the country reaches the next stage of Boris Johnson‘s roadmap out of lockdown, gatherings of up to six people – or two full households – are now allowed in parks or in back gardens.

Golf, tennis and team sports are also able to resume – with the PM wishing ‘the very best of luck’ to those heading back to pitches, courts and fields.

With Britain today passing the 30 million-mark for number of vaccines given – and with cases plummeting by a third in just one week – the Government is under increasing pressure to speed up the easing of lockdown rules.

But for now, Britons can soak up the sought-after sunshine in the park with friends – or work up a sweat with a kick-about on the pitch – as the Prime Minister urged everyone to ‘remain cautious’ and stick to the rules.

Here, MailOnline answers your most-pressing questions about what the latest lockdown rules mean for you.

Do I have to stay at home? 

No. Today marks the end of the Government’s stay-at-home guidance, which stated that Britons can only leave the house for daily exercise, to visit their ‘bubble’ household or for essential journeys – such as to the shops or doctors.

People can now meet outdoors in groups of six – or two full households of any size – in parks or back gardens. 

A ‘household’  can include an existing support bubble, if eligible.

The Government is instead urging Britons to ‘stay local’. It is not yet known what distance constitutes ‘local’.

Social distancing rules for people not in the same household are still in place.  

Can I have a wedding and a reception?

As of today, the ‘exceptional circumstances’ rule has been lifted for weddings.

Before March 29, Britons were only able to consider booking a wedding or civil partnership in exceptional circumstances.

This may be, for example, if you or your partner is seriously ill and not expected to recover or is to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery. 

This rule no longer applies, meaning weddings – which must be limited to six people – are open to all. 

Wedding receptions can go ahead but they must adhere to social distancing rules.

So an outdoor reception of six people from any number of different households – or two full households of any size – is permitted in a park or back garden.

But an indoor reception at home, for example, must be carried out within the family. 

Will my hairdresser be open?

No. Personal care premises like hairdressers, barbers and nail salons will not reopen until April 12. 

Can I meet up with friends indoors?

No. Meetings of up to six people from any number of different households – or two full households of any size – must be outdoors.

Only those within your household or support bubble can meet indoors. 

Can I have a picnic in the park? 

Yes. As long as the rule of six or two-household limit is followed.

Can I have a barbecue in the garden with my family?  

Yes. As long as the rule of six or two-household limit is followed.

Can I play football in the park? 

Yes. As of today, you can take part in formally-organised outdoor sports with any number of people.

Outdoor sports venues and facilities are now able to reopen.

Can my child attend an outdoor playgroup? 

Yes. Formally-organised parent and child groups can take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under five will not be counted in this number.

Childcare and supervised activities are also allowed outdoors for all children.